Reliving the thrill of 1970: A championship tie for the ages
Jockeys Jose Bravo and Richard DePass share the title in an unforgettable season
Jamaican horse racing has come a long way, and one memorable season that still stands out is 1970.
The Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide takes readers back in time to that unforgettable season, where two talented riders, Jose Bravo and Richard DePass, engaged in an electrifying battle for championship honours.
In a season filled with surprises, the battle for the top spot was intense. In a stunning finale, Panamanian Bravo and apprentice Depass shared the title, with 53 wins each. This historic tie marked one of the most electrifying moments in Jamaican racing history, showcasing the sport’s growing competitiveness and talent.
Let’s revisit the highlights of that unforgettable season and celebrate the achievements of these two racing legends:
Depass’s remarkable journey to the top was nothing short of phenomenal. Just 15 months into his career, he achieved what most jockeys spend a lifetime striving for.
After assuming the lead following the departure of English riders George Duffield and Ray Still early in the season, DePass held his ground until Bravo took over in October.
As the season drew to a close, Depass faced a daunting task, trailing Bravo by five wins in December. But he refused to give up, driven by grim determination. On the final race day, December 26, DePass narrowed the gap to two winners, setting the stage for a heart-pounding conclusion.
On the last day of racing, December 26, both jockeys had five rides each. DePass lost on his first mount but won on his second, thereby narrowing the gap to one win. The tension mounted as the day’s final races approached. Bravo had one more ride and DePass two in the final three races of the day.
In the eighth race, DePass was up and he was beaten into third place. Now, a win for Bravo on his final mount in the ninth race would assure him the championship title but that was not to be as he finished in last position. When Bravo’s last ride ended in defeat, DePass was left with one chance of sharing the title.
In the 10th and final race, DePass rode Wally Gold, the same horse he won his first career race on November 1, 1968 and again on October 31, 1970. As they entered the final stretch, DePass took the lead, but a late surge from High Dish threatened to snatch victory away. The crowd held its collective breath as the judges examined the photo finish. The crowd erupted as DePass was declared the winner by a short head, cementing his place in racing history alongside Bravo.
Herberto Castillo (33 winners) finished third ahead of George Duffield (28 winners) in fourth and apprentice Delroy Martin (26 winners) in fifth. Donald Andrade (25 winners) and Winston Ellis (22 winners) were sixth and seventh, respectively.
