HENRY

Ainsley Walters, Freelance Writer

ACE lightweight jockey Wesley 'Callaloo' Henry was yesterday slapped with a six-month ban by the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) and will not be able to ride competitively, locally or overseas, until October 27.

Henry, a former champion jockey, felt the wrath of the commissioners after the stewards referred his handling of trainer Richard Azan's JAZZY JET to the JRC.

The stewards could have dished out a maximum 25-raceday ban on the pint-sized rider but felt the offence warranted a greater penalty.

As a result, Henry will be out of the saddle for 41 racedays as he last rode on Wednesday, April 25.

Henry got into trouble with the stewards after JAZZY JET, the overwhelming 3-5 favourite, finished next-to-last in a five-horse field on Monday, April 9.

Henry, a crowd favourite at Caymanas Park, maintains his innocence.

"I got suspended for a lame horse," he said yesterday.

Dismal run

"The trainer knows that and he's ashamed to tell the owner and the commission that the horse isn't good," he added.

Following his dismal run with Henry, JAZZY JET next raced on Saturday, May 5 at 1000 metres straight and again finished next to last.

However, this failed to have an impact on the JRC's decision.

Chief steward Lloyd Cobran said the jockey's only course of appeal would be through the courts.

"He could appeal on the grounds of natural justice," Cobran pointed out.