Legendary jockey Emilio Rodriguez, a many-time champion rider, has announced that he won’t be able to attend Caymanas Park today, Jamaica Derby Day, to present the trophy bearing his name.

The inaugural Emilio Rodriguez Trophy, honouring his illustrious career, features three-year-old and up horses competing at the Overnight Allowance level over 7 ½ furlongs (1,500m).

Major Danger, Atlantic Convoy, Sunset Silhouette, and Sistren Treasure are the leading contenders to take home the top honours.

Although Rodriguez won’t be there to present the trophy, his legacy will shine bright on this special day.

Rodriquez, the man known to his legion of fans as “Bimbo”, “Chest”, and “Willie Carson”, said it is regrettable that he could not make the trip.

“A series of unforeseen circumstances have caused me to cancel my original decision to be in Jamaica on Derby Day to present the trophy named in my honour.

“It is regrettable, but my colleague jockey and long-standing friend, George HoSang, will be in Jamaica doing as an ambassador of the Jamaica Thoroughbred Horsemen Foundation (JTHF), and he will be presenting the Emilio ‘Bimbo’ Trophy on my behalf, for which I am grateful,” Rodriquez said.

Commenting further, Rodriquez said, “I want to wish all the horsemen with runners on Derby all the best. I have to give a special shout-out to those horsemen who will be competing in the Derby itself, and of course, to those with horses in the Emilio Rodriquez Trophy. All the best to all and please support the JTHA in its endeavours to assist racing people.”