Groom warned off for breach of testing barn rules
The First Instance Tribunal, delegatees of the Jamaica Racing Commission, on Monday, March 22, 2021 concluded an investigation into the threat made by groom Ackeel McKenzie against Jamaica Racing Commission testing barn staff on Saturday, February 20, 2021.
During the investigation, the tribunal heard evidence from McKenzie, who was represented by Fabian Whyte, as well as from other key witnesses of the incident.
The tribunal reviewed several reports from the testing barn staff on duty and paid particular attention to video evidence which captured the incident.
After considering all the evidence, the tribunal ruled that;
- Groom Ackeel McKenzie had breached Rule 247 (xii) of the Jamaica Racing Commission Racing Rule 1977, and as a result:
- McKenzie was warned off from all premises where the Rules of Racing are enforced, for a period of one year, effective February 20, 2021.
Racing Commission turns down owner’s appeal
On Friday, March 19, 2021 the Jamaica Racing Commission heard an appeal lodged by owner Garwin Tulloch against the decision of the stewards to disqualify his horse Adoring Lady in the first race of the race meet held on November 9, 2019.
Adoring Lady had won the race and was disqualified for causing interference to horse number 10, Smokey Topaz, near the 100-metre point.
After reviewing the race film and submissions made by Tulloch and Jamaica Racing Commission’s operations steward, the commission saw no reason to overturn the decision of the stewards. The decision of the stewards was upheld.
Jockey Dick Cardenas gets reduced sentence
On Friday, March 19, 2021 the Jamaica Racing Commission heard an appeal from jockey Dick Cardenas submitted against the stewards’ decision on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 to suspend him for six race days and impose a fine of $10,000 for interference caused during running of the eighth race on October 10, 2020.
The commission heard submissions from Cardenas, and noted his plea for leniency due to economic hardship.
After reviewing of the evidence, the commission handed down the decision as follows:
- The fine of $10,000 was upheld by the commission.
- The suspension period was reduced to three race days, which is to be completed no later than April 30, 2021.
