The Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC), Canopy Insurance Company, and representatives of the occupational groups in horse racing have reached an agreement on insurance premiums for the 2026–27 licensing period, which takes effect on May 1, 2026.
Under the new arrangement, premiums will be paid in two installments:
- First payment due May 1, 2026
- Second payment due July 1, 2026
Although the revised structure reflects a reduction from the initial proposal, fees remain higher than last year’s rates.
New Premiums (Age Group 18–65)
- Trainers: $112,022.95 (including GCT), up from $68,495 in 2025–26
- Jockeys: $80,439.20, up from $48,970 in 2025–26
- Grooms: $39,881.50, up from $23,850 in 2025–26
The JRC has reminded all members that licensing is mandatory for participation in race meetings. Specifically:
- To compete in the Saturday, May 9, 2026 race meeting, members must be licensed by the entry deadline of Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
- Grooms must also be licensed before they are permitted to lead horses for Lasix treatment at the Salix Center or for sample collection at the Testing/Sample Barn.
The present payment structure and the one from last year are published below.
Insurance Premium Comparison (2025–26 vs 2026–27)
| Occupational Group | 2025–26 Renewal (18–65) | 2026–27 Renewal (18–65) | Increase | 2025–26 Renewal (65–99) | 2026–27 Renewal (65–99) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trainers | $71,095.00 | $112,022.95 | +$40,927.95 | $68,495.00 | $109,032.95 | +$40,537.95 |
| Assistant Trainers | $50,720.00 | $80,439.20 | +$29,719.20 | $48,970.00 | $78,426.70 | +$29,456.70 |
| Jockeys | $56,130.00 | $88,539.30 | +$32,409.30 | $54,380.00 | $86,526.80 | +$32,146.80 |
| Grooms | $25,150.00 | $39,881.50 | +$14,731.50 | $23,850.00 | $38,386.50 | +$14,536.50 |
| Exercise Riders | $25,150.00 | $39,881.50 | +$14,731.50 | $23,850.00 | $38,386.50 | +$14,536.50 |
| Stable Assistants | $25,150.00 | $39,881.50 | +$14,731.50 | $23,850.00 | $38,386.50 | +$14,536.50 |
| Farriers | $51,720.00 | $81,439.20 | +$29,719.20 | $49,970.00 | $79,426.70 | +$29,456.70 |
| Jockey’s Agent | $27,150.00 | $41,881.50 | +$14,731.50 | $25,850.00 | $40,386.50 | +$14,536.50 |
| Apprentice Jockey | $56,130.00 | $88,539.30 | +$32,409.30 | – | $87,044.30 | – |
| Gate Attendants | $30,150.00 | $44,881.50 | +$14,731.50 | $28,850.00 | $43,386.50 | +$14,536.50 |
