KINGSTON, Jamaica - Former many-times champion jockey Emilio Rodriquez has confirmed that he will not be present at Caymanas Park on Derby Day (August 6, 2024) to present the trophy named in his honour.
The inaugural running of the Emilio Rodriquez Trophy will be contested on the day and is for three-year-olds and up horses covering a distance of 7 ½ furlongs at the Overnight Allowance level.
Speaking with Quickgallopja.com from his home in Atlanta, Georgia (USA), the man known to his legion of fans as “Bimbo”, “Chest”, and “Willie Carson”, said it is regrettable that he could not make the trip.
“A series of unforeseen circumstances have caused me to cancel my original decision to be in Jamaica on Derby Day to present the trophy named in my honour.
“It is regrettable, but my colleague jockey and long-standing friend, George HoSang will be in Jamaica doing as an ambassador of the Jamaica Thoroughbred Horsemen Foundation (JTHF), and he will be presenting the Emilio “Bimbo” Trophy on my behalf, for which I am grateful,” Rodriquez said.
Commenting further Rodriquez said: “I want to wish all the horsemen with runners on Derby all the best. I have to give a special shout-out to those horsemen who will be competing in the Derby itself, and of course, to those with horses in the Emilio Rodriquez Trophy. All the best to all and please support the JTHA in its endeavours to assist racing people.”
