Former champion jockey Anthony Thomas, now plying his trade at Gulfstream Park in Florida, has made a timely return to his homeland to take part in the Jamaica Derby on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
Thomas, who carved out an outstanding career on local soil before venturing overseas, will be aboard the Gary Subratie‑trained Stardom in the blue‑riband event.
Stardom’s regular partner this season has been Dane Dawkins, but with Thomas back in the saddle, Dawkins will switch allegiance to another Subratie contender, Salute The Don.
The just‑published final programme for the August 6 raceday reveals that Thomas has also secured a second mount — Royal Poppy in the tenth race, likewise conditioned by Subratie. The pairing rekindles a previous partnership: Thomas rode Royal Poppy on December 6, 2025, at Gulfstream finishing second.
