Jockey Phillip Parchment’s 25-day suspension for intimidation and interference has been significantly reduced to six days after a thorough appeal hearing with the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

Parchment, who rode Wayne’scherrylinks in the 10th race on August 2, 2025, was initially penalised for drifting left continuously and interfering with both Linguist and Danka.

The suspension was set to take effect on August 30. However, after the appeal hearing, JRC Chairman Clovis Metcalfe announced that the board had reduced the suspension to six days.

“The board was unable to determine if Parchment’s actions were deliberate and accordingly penalised him for a total of six days suspension divided as follows. Three days for interference and intimidation and three days for reckless and dangerous riding,” Metcalfe said.

During the appeal hearing, evidence was presented by jockeys Wesley Henry, Parchment, and Dick Cardenas, as well as Donovan Wilson, president of the jockeys’ agent.

Metcalfe explained that the board’s decision was based on the submissions, questions, and answers, which revealed concerns about Parchment’s riding.

“Based on the submissions, questions, and answers, it was determined by the board that Parchment was guilty of interference, intimidation, careless and dangerous riding, and the use of a loose left rein exiting the gates was of concern. Also, a concern was the fact that Parchment continuously interfered with Cardenas’ horse after earlier correcting his horse,” Metcalfe stated.

Metcalfe noted that the stewards initially believed Parchment’s actions were deliberate, warranting a 25-day suspension.

“The stewards were of the strong opinion that Parchment’s actions were deliberate hence they handed down the maximum penalty of 25 days to ensure the integrity of the sport,” Metcalfe explained.

METCALFE…the board was unable to determine if Parchment’s actions were deliberate and accordingly penalised him for a total of six days suspension .