Saturday, March 19, 2022
KINGSTON, Jamaica – In the rough and tumble world of local horse racing it is often forgotten that sportsmanship, respect for others and the will to win fairly are significant elements in the purveyance of the many crafts, existing within this vast canopy of endeavour.
These cornerstones of racing, and indeed life itself are often placed on the backburner as the desire to win, sometimes at any cost, undermines the true essence of sportsmanship. The causative effects are the development of mistrust among supporters and in racing there are punters, who keep the game alive.
Among members of the jockeys’ colony, racing fans race day after race day witness the highly competitive nature of these professionals resulting in various incidents, sometimes leaving a lot to be desired. These riders shout and curse each other, often times placing blame on one another for their own inadequacies. Many times, also, there are confrontations during races, leading to jockeys’ objections, and the resultant shouting matches. Yet, this is the topsy-turvy nature of the gruelling landscape that is racing.
The sport on Saturday, March 19, 2022, received a much need boost of sublime sportsmanship from two of its most talented pigskin ambassadors, Shane Ellis and Dane Nelson.
Ellis atop Calculus was just defeated in a gripping duel by the Dane Nelson ridden Oneofakind in the Chairman’s Trophy, with the margin of victory being a neck. It was close, it was inspiring jockeyship by both, and it was action-packed as the two former champion jockeys battled tooth and nail to secure victory.
After passing the winning post, while the horses were pulling up, Ellis in a show of recognition of a job well done and executed, extended his hand to Nelson, who quickly responded with a fist pump touch.
That is what competition is all about, and should always be.
THE QUICK GALLOPER praises the effort by these two jockeys.
They have set an example for all to follow.
Long may it last.
0 Responses
Excellent gesture on the part of both jockeys
Yes! Indeed it was
JA GALLOP ,CAN YOU REPOND TO MY QUESTION IN MY ARTICLE POSTED TODAY..
When I saw the gesture in the replay, all I could say was “wow”
Wow is the word
Indeed indeed. Entertaining, we haven't seen anything like that in quite awhile it takes mental and physical skill to battle for 2furlongs . Quality horses, jockeys and training jobs.
Thanks four your comment sir . It was a great fillip to the sport.
RACE FANS,I WAS INDEED THE FIRST TO COMMENT ON THIS ICONIC GESTURE BY TWO STALWARTS OF PRESENT DAY RACING.THE VANQUISHED REACHING OUT TO THE VICTOR IN ACT
I PERSONALLY HAS NEVER SEEN IN OVER YEARS OF BIENG A TURFITE AT CAYMANAS PARK.NOW..WITH THIS HISTORIC GESTURE SEARES IN OUR MEMORY WILL OWNERS BE ALLOWED TO SHAKE A JOCKEYS HAND LEADING BACK TO THE SADDLING ENCLOUSURE IN A JUBILANT MANNER,,BAK IN THE 70'S A WINNER WAS DISQUALIFIED FOR TOUCHING THE JOCKS PERSON BEFORE WEIGHING IN.THE HORSE IN QUESTION WAS THE FILLY MISS LOU
Will check
Very impressive on the part of both jockeys; really heartwarming to see that sportsmanship is alive and well in this very competitive sporting environment of local horse racing. Kudos all round!!!