Hurricane Melissa brought Jamaica to a standstill, but for Claude Thompson, a seasoned horse groom at Gary Subratie’s stable, it was a night that would be etched in his memory forever.

With three horses under his care, Thompson, 66, faced his fears and rode out the storm, determined to keep his equine charges safe.

“It was a horrible experience, similar to [Hurricane] Gilbert back in 1988. It was catastrophic,” Thompson recalled, his voice still laced with the fear and anxiety he felt during the storm.

“I have three horses under my care at the moment, Desert of Malibu, Money Market, and Ralph Treasure. I was afraid for their lives, the other horses in the stable, and I was afraid for mine,” he told the Sunday Observer.

As the storm raged on through Monday night into Tuesday morning, Thompson did everything he could to keep the horses calm.

“I had to leave Desert of Malibu’s stall doors open so that she could see. I mean, animals are so sensitive to storms like birds, and the excitement can trigger them off,” he explained.

“Three-quarters of the horses in the stable were calmed, but I could sense their fear. The lashing wind, the trees were in close proximity to the stable’s roof top. In the 2:00 am on Tuesday morning, I thought the stable was going to mash up, but it stood firm, and all was well after the storm,” the 66-year-old Thompson further explained.

While many people would have been seeking shelter and safety with loved ones at home, Thompson put the needs of the horses and the stable first. As a groom, Thompson’s role goes beyond just caring for the horses’ physical needs. He has a deep emotional connection with the animals, and his commitment to their well-being is evident in his actions.

Despite the danger, he stayed by the horses’ side, ensuring their safety throughout the storm.

“I live nearby the racetrack in Independence City, but I am dedicated to my job,” he said, his voice filled with emotion. “At that point in time I am saying to myself, I have three horses under my care, training and in good nicks, and had my mind on couple races for them. Disaster now, and I am back to square one. It is very hard.

“We as grooms don’t work big cash and so we have to be relying on races to earn some money. It’s November now, and you know Christmas is around the corner. I also feel it for the owners because they are the ones who pay the bills and they need the horses to run and earn.”

The storm brought widespread destruction, but Thompson was grateful that the stable and his home fared relatively well.

“One of the trees fell on the stable’s gate, but it never really had an impact on the stable’s roof top,” he said. “The electricity was down, the humidity was high. Most of the horses were sweating, and I was hoping that the electricity would come back in time.

“I thought it would have been a lot worse, and so we have to give thanks to the ‘Supreme Being’ for the protections. After what happened down in the country area, especially Black River, we have to give thanks. Although I was well stocked up with food to get through the storm, it was anything but big, but I had enough to keep me plus the trainer, Subratie, he came by and left money to buy some more food items. My home was good throughout the storm. A little damage, but family was good.”

As the storm passed, Thompson breathed a sigh of relief. The racetrack endured, despite some damage.

“The rails were down, but the main thing was the power lines,” Thompson said. “The rebuilding process is slow, but we are getting there. It is going to take some time, but slowly and surely, we will get there.”

Thompson with one of his charges Money Market in the horse’s stall. Ruddy Allen

THOMPSON…it was a horrible experience, similar to [Hurricane] Gilbert back in 1988, it was catastrophic Karl Mclarty

A tractor preparing the racing surface on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Karl Mclarty

A tractor preparing the racing surface on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Karl Mclarty