THE JAMAICA Racing Commission on April 10, 2003, concluded an investigation into the running of the first on September 14, 2002 in which the odds on favourite TYCHE finished 4th by 46 3/4 lengths in a five-horse field.
The Commissioners had the following concerns:
(1) Whether the race was truly run or the result was contrived;
(2) Whether the horse TYCHE was interfered with by any person prior to the start of the race;
(3) The size of the pari-mutuel payments in a very small field.
During the course of the investigation, held over three sittings, the Commission heard oral evidence from trainers Anthony Nunes, Philip Feanny, Donovan Raymond, and Otis Burke, owner/trainers Deon Facey and Wesley Perkins, owners Richard Wedderburn and Patrick Salmon; jockeys Brian Harding, Devon Thomas, Wesley Henry, Wilmot Gajardah and Rudolph Paige and grooms Henzeil Taylor and Wayne Smith.
The Commission concluded that:
1. There was no evidence to implicate any person or persons as a result of the poor running of the horse TYCHE.
2. The behaviour of the horse TYCHE at time of saddling, during the post parade and at the starting gates strongly suggested that the horse had been tranquillised.
The Commission, however, noted that the results of the test of urine and blood samples taken from the horse proved negative for any prohibited substance.
3. An examination of the horse TYCHE at the starting gates did not give the Veterinarian in charge on the day sufficient reason to declare the horse a late non-starter.
4. The connections of the horse ACTION which finished first and the horse which finished second, were fully expectant that their horses would have run improved races.
The Commission wishes to inform the racing public that:
a) Its Observation Committee chaired by Commissioner Walter Campbell continues to review all races run to determine whether horses are being campaigned with fairness to the racing public;
b) It can only proceed in cases of this nature if it has evidence on which it can act. Any person therefore who may have information concerning the contriving of any result of a race or the fixing of a race should report same to the Stewards or to the Commission.
JAMAICA RACING COMMISSION
12th JUNE 2003
