SVREL in discussion with Gulfstream jockeys
EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN Solomon Sharpe says Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL) is negotiating with two United States-based jockeys to feature in the Jamaica Derby and Jamaica Oaks next month.
The Jamaica Derby, which will be contested over 12 furlongs at Caymanas Park, will be run on Independence Day, August 6, while the Jamaica Oaks will run a day later over 10 furlongs.
Sharpe did not disclose the names of the overseas jockeys, but The Gleaner has been reliably informed that they are from Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida. One of riders is understood to be Chantal Sutherland.
“We are in negotiations because we are trying to make the Derby day special,” Sharpe said. “It is early days yet, but these are top jockeys that will also have rides on the weekend, which could potentially be conflicting rides on the same weekend when we have the Derby, which is Friday, and Oaks on Saturday, which is also a big race for the jurisdiction in the United States.
“It is still a very ambitious task, but we are still trying nonetheless.”
Sutherland, 45, was born in Winnipeg, Canada, and has ridden over a thousand winners on the North American circuit.
“They will most definitely bring a lot of excitement to Caymanas Park because they ride regularly at Gulfstream Park circuit, which we have simulcast racing coming from three days per week, and we have our racing going on there as well, so they are well exposed to our local market,” Sharpe said.
“They were very excited about coming here because there is the potential of picking up rides in the Derby and the Oaks, as well as the undercard,” he said.
Trainer Ian Parsard said he is unaware of this, but says that the arrival of these jockeys will help to promote horse racing.
“It always adds a little extra because people are always excited to see the new riders,” he said.