KINGSTON, Jamaica — Champion jockey Raddesh Roman and current leading apprentice Tajay Suckoo will both miss Saturday's 11-race card at Caymanas Park as they continue their recovery from separate track incidents.
Neither rider appears on the officially published overnight programme for the Saturday, August 22, 2026 fixture. Although both jockeys have recently been spotted back at the track during morning exercise, they have opted for extra time to ensure a full recovery before returning to competitive action.
Roman’s absence stems from a dramatic incident on Saturday, July 25, 2026, during the running of the afternoon’s second race. Aboard Midnight Galaxy, the champion was unseated in a split-second chain reaction that also involved fellow riders Demar Williams on Ruby’s Light and Tyrese Anderson on Bubblingbrownsugar.
Following comprehensive X-rays and medical evaluations, doctors confirmed that Roman escaped without any broken bones, though he continues to nurse shoulder pain and was advised to rest at home to avoid premature strain.
For apprentice Tajay Suckoo, the setback occurred on Thursday, August 6, 2026, during the third race of the day. While turning for home aboard Badbadtanesha, Suckoo suffered a heavy fall and was immediately rushed to the hospital.
Subsequent medical examinations revealed no fractures, but doctors diagnosed him with a concussion, prompting the medical team to keep him under close observation to monitor his progress.
This latest setback is a familiar test of resolve for Suckoo. In May 2025, the promising young apprentice suffered a serious training accident while exercising a two-year-old, resulting in a lengthy absence before his return to competitive action on October 25, 2025.
Having quickly climbed back to the top of the apprentice standings this season, Suckoo—alongside Roman—will look to make a full return to the saddle in the coming weeks once fully cleared by medical personnel.
