The Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) has overturned the stewards’ decision to demote Tekapunt from first to third in the second race on October 21, 2024, following an appeal by the horse’s connections.

Tekapunt, ridden by Samantha Fletcher, initially crossed the finish line first but was demoted to third in what was officially announced as intimidating My Sunshine (Omar Walker). First place was awarded to Salud, ridden by Raddesh Roman.

The original decision sparked widespread discontent among punters, leading to unrest and the abandonment of remaining races.

However, after reviewing the race replay from several angles, the JRC board determined that insufficient evidence supported the initial decision.

“The reason given by the stewards was that there were two incidents, but in accordance with Rule 201 of the JRC’s rule book and their interpretation, Tekapunt interfered with
My Sunshine, causing that horse to lose a placing,” JRC Chairman Clovis Metcalfe said.

“The board reversed the decision, citing that not sufficient emphasis was placed on
My Sunshine’s initial interference with Tekapunt, which, in the opinion of the board, was the more egregious of the two incidents of interference and intimidation.”

Metcalfe highlighted several key factors contributing to the reversal, the lack of any jockey’s objections, rushed decision-making by stewards, no post-race questioning of jockeys, evidence of mutual interference between Roman and Fletcher, and Walker’s infringements.

“The board noted that Roman and Fletcher were engaged in a ‘sword fight’ down the stretch, with each hitting the other’s horse, and Walker’s infringements. The board is recommending that all three jockeys be summoned for questioning,” Metcalfe said.

“The placings have been reversed,” Metcalfe ended.

— Ruddy Allen