In the conclusion to one of the most thrilling jockeys’ championships in recent memory, Raddesh “Sneaky Fox” Roman emerged victorious, edging arch-rival Tevin “Terrific” Foster by a heart-stopping single win to claim the coveted title.

The electrifying finale at Caymanas Park on Saturday, December 28, 2024 was the culmination of a season-long battle for supremacy, with Roman and Foster engaging in a nerve-jangling game of cat and mouse that left fans on the edge of their seats.

“It was a very good competition,” Roman said.

“I am not lying, Foster [Tevin] is a very good rider, and also myself, and it was a thrilling competition between us. It was very, very competitive, and I must say, give thanks for everything,” Roman added.

The stage was set for a thrilling conclusion, with Roman starting the day three winners ahead of Foster, 132 to 129. The tension was palpable as the two riders prepared to face off on the nine-race card, with the championship title hanging precariously in the balance.

Foster made a blistering start, reeling off three consecutive winners in the second, third, and fourth races aboard Honour Prince, Supremasi, and Shelly The Rocket, respectively. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as Foster drew level with Roman, setting the stage for the ultimate showdown.

However, Roman refused to back down, striking back with a win aboard Oil Machine in the fifth race. Then as fate would have it, Foster finished second in three of the remaining four races aboard Lady Abhimala, Stanislaus, and Medal Award.

Roman’s lone winner on the day proved to be the deciding factor, as he clinched the championship title by the narrowest of margins. The crowd erupted in cheers as Roman celebrated his hard-fought victory, marking a thrilling conclusion to the racing season. Roman won with 133 winners to Foster’s 132.

For Roman, this championship win was more than just a personal achievement; it was a testament to his family’s legacy.

“It is a very good feeling to be called a champion jockey because most of my family members are champions, and I have wanted to join that legacy, and I did that on Saturday, and I am very grateful for that,” the man also known as the “Sneaky Fox” said.

Roman’s roots run deep in the community of Newlands, which has produced many champion jockeys.

“This was very important. The community of Newlands, as they say, it’s where most of the champions come from, and my family has been a big part of it. I am very grateful that I have added to it, and I know the community is very proud of me, as well as another star rises out of the ghetto,” Roman noted.

Throughout his journey, Roman has been supported by numerous individuals who have played a significant role in his success.

“I have gotten a lot of help along the way, and I am very grateful for that. There are so many people, I can’t call every name because I don’t want to leave out anyone who has played major roles in my success,” he explained.

However, Roman singled out a few key individuals who have made a significant impact on his career.

“I just want to say a special thank you to Mr Philip Feanny and owner ACK Stables, as well as Oral Hayden and many more, who had taken me up in the latter part of the year, put me on their shoulders, and said, ‘Let’s go and get the job done,’ and I am very grateful for that,” an emotional Roman said.

As Roman looks to the future, he is already focused on defending his title. “The aim is to defend my title, and I will definitely go for that.”

Despite the intense pressure of the final day, Roman remained calm and composed, drawing on the confidence in his abilities.

“I wasn’t worried at any point during the last race day because I went in with a three-win lead, which I knew was a big plus. Mr Foster won three races and joined me, but I kept a calm head because I knew my best rides for the day were on the latter part of the programme,” he said.

Roman’s strategy paid off, as he secured the decisive win aboard Oil Machine. “I was expecting a win, and I got it, and it proved decisive, and I am grateful. I had Rideallday as a winner, and he got beaten, and that’s racing, things do happen, and I am very thankful that I came out on top.”

Roman’s humility shone through as he reflected on the possibility of a shared championship title.

Going into the last race, I wasn’t worried because the worst that could have happened was that I got a draw, which I would be grateful for.

“If the draw had come, I would still be this happy because we both deserved to be champion jockeys. We have campaigned very hard throughout the year, and we both did a very good job, and I would not have a problem for both of us to be crowned 2024 champion jockeys,” Roman noted.

As Roman looks to the future, he is committed to continued growth and development.

“I will continue to work hard, put in the work, and try to develop my riding skills. I just want to keep more focused going forward because, as at some point during the season, I kind of gazed a little bit and lost focus.

“I am working on that, and as Mr Patrick Lynch told me in the latter part of the year, he could see that I was getting unfit, and I need to fix up that and get into the game because the race is not over as yet, even though I was leading. I took his advice, and I did what I had to do to become a champion jockey,” explained Roman.