Tankoy

The racing fraternity is mourning the death of Donald Tankoy, who held the post of executive manager of OTB at Caymanas Track Limited (CTL) and was about to be confirmed as acting CEO of the promoting company.

Tankoy, who was a well-liked individual owing to his quiet and unassuming personality, died in his sleep on Wednesday morning at his Meadowbrook home. He was in his 60s.

According to Dr Paul Wright, Tankoy retired to bed at 10 o'clock on Tuesday night, after watching television, and his wife discovered his lifeless body at 6:00 in the morning.

Working late

Dr Wright, who was summoned to the house, said Tankoy, who was at work until late in the evening on Tuesday at his Caymanas Park office, had no apparent ailment and died peacefully in his sleep.

News of his death cast a gloom over Caymanas Park during Wednesday's midweek meet, and CTL was among the organisations and individuals paying tributes to Tankoy, who worked with the promoting company in various capacities since 1977.

A CTL press release noted: "The board of directors, management and staff of CTL express our sincere condolences to the family of the late Donald Tankoy, who died suddenly at home on September 10.

"Mr Tankoy, who served the company in various capacities for more than 30 years, will be sadly missed by his many associates and friends within the thoroughbred racing industry.

"Funeral arrangements will be announced as soon as they are finalised."

Also paying tributes were the president of the Jamaica Racehorse Trainers' Association, Vin Edwards along with Laurence Heffes, president of the Jamaica Racehorse Owners' Association and William Chin-See, former chairman of CTL.

Speaking on behalf of the trainers, Edwards described Tankoy as "a decent person who had a wonderful working relationship with everyone in racing in his various posts at the promoting company".

Tributes

"We go back a long way and I am saddened to hear of his death. On behalf of the Trainers' Association, I extend condolences to his family, other relatives and friends," said Edwards.

Heffes expressed similar sentiments. "Having shared the grief with him of a loved one who passed away, we became close friends. On behalf of the Owners' Association, I extend condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace," declared Heffes, who is a former champion owner (1998).

Tankoy joined Racing Promotions Limited in March 1977 as chief internal auditor and over the years has held many posts.

- O.C.