Tension is mounting in Jamaica’s racing fraternity as the Jockeys’ Agents Association has formally challenged the conduct of stewards who recently presided over a controversial hearing.
At the center of the dispute is a disciplinary session held on August 12, 2025, where several riders were hit with suspensions and fines. The penalties have since sparked widespread unease, with many within the jockeys’ camp questioning both the fairness of the proceedings and the transparency of the officials involved.
Led by Donovan Wilson, the Jockeys’ Agents Association has delivered a strongly worded letter to Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) Chairman Clovis Metcalfe. The group is demanding that the stewards be immediately sidelined from officiating while an independent investigation is carried out. The petition, signed by agents and riders alike, underscores a growing sentiment of mistrust within the industry regarding officiating standards at Caymanas Park.
The JRC, charged with safeguarding the integrity of the sport, now finds itself in a delicate position. How it addresses the dispute could set the tone for future governance of local horse racing.
In response, Metcalfe confirmed receipt of the association’s concerns and emphasized that the matter would not be brushed aside. He acknowledged the seriousness of both the demands and the tone of the letter, stressing that due process would be observed. An appeal hearing has been tentatively set for next week, where all parties will be given an opportunity to present their case.
The episode places the JRC under the microscope at a time when credibility is paramount. With public confidence in play, the Commission’s actions in the coming days may determine whether Jamaica’s racing community sees it as a guardian of fairness—or a regulator in need of its own oversight.
