KINGSTON, Jamaica - The racing season of 2024 has progressed through its first two months, encompassing 13 days of competition and 124 races.
A riveting contest has unfolded amongst the jockeys, with a particular focus on the rivalry between frontrunner Tevin Foster and his closest competitor, Raddesh Roman.
Foster solidified his lead with a triple on the final day of races in February, tallying 23 victories, distancing himself by seven wins from Roman.
Over the course of 89 rides, Foster's win rate stands at 26%, with an impressive 60% rate of finishing in the top three. Notably, Foster is currently a freelance jockey, securing rides from a diverse array of stables without exclusive commitment to any, in contrast to the previous year when he was aligned with trainer Anthony Nunes' barn.
Roman made headlines earlier in February by achieving the accomplishment of six wins in a single day, ascending to the top of the leader board, three wins ahead of Foster.
Despite this, Foster managed to outpace and surpass Roman to attain his current total. Roman's absence from the last weekend races provided Foster with the opportunity to widen the gap at this nascent stage of the racing calendar.
Roman's stats for 2024 include 16 wins from 51 mounts, reflecting a winning average of 31% and a 51% 'in the money' rate.
Former champion Dane Dawkins has experienced a relatively quiet start to the year, with a modest nine wins to his name.
The situation of Reyan Lewis, the reigning champion of 2023, remains uncertain. Lewis has had sporadic appearances in the saddle since the year's onset, with more absences than participation.
As of yet, no official explanation has been provided for his reduced number of rides, leaving industry watchers in a state of anticipation.
