Despite coming agonisingly close to claiming the 2024 jockeys’ championship title, Tevin “Terrific” Foster emerged from the thrilling finale with his head held high, his spirit unbroken, and his determination renewed.

Foster and Raddesh Roman faced off in a nail-biting, nine-race showdown at Caymanas Park on Saturday, December 28, 2024 to determine who would be crowned champion jockey. Roman, starting the day three winners ahead of Foster (132-129), was determined to hold off his rival’s charge and claim the coveted title.

Foster, however, had other plans. He exploded out of the gates, securing three consecutive wins in the second, third, and fourth races aboard Honour Prince, Supremasi, and Shelly The Rocket, respectively. The crowd was electrified as Foster drew level with Roman, setting the stage for the final haul.

Roman responded with a crucial win aboar Oil Machine in the fifth race to break the tie. Foster then finished second in three of the remaining four races aboard Lady Abhimala, Stanislaus, and Medal Award.

In the end, Roman’s lone winner on the day proved to be the deciding factor. He clinched the championship title by the narrowest of margins, defeating Foster 133-132.

In a heartfelt post-race reflection, Foster expressed his gratitude to those who supported him throughout his journey.

“I am grateful for this year, which is my best year throughout racing, and I am happy for it,” he said.

With a sense of pride and self-belief, Foster reaffirmed his status as a true champion, despite falling short of the title by a single win.

“I had belief in myself, and I am a true champion. Even though I lost by one winner, I still have myself as a true champion,” Foster told the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.

The 2024 season may not have ended with the ultimate prize, but Foster is already looking to the future, his eyes fixed intently on the challenges that lie ahead.

“I will continue to do the hard work, and come next year, you can expect the same level of competition from me,” he vowed.

Foster also took a moment to express his appreciation to his sponsor, TruShake, whose support was instrumental in his success.

“I am thankful for my sponsor TruShake, because without them, I think that I would not have come this far,” he said.

“The motivation and the drive, I give thanks to TruShake, and I hope that they continue to strive and help more jockeys like me, Javaniel Patterson, Raddesh Roman, and Reyan Lewis,” he said.