Jamaican pride for Maragh

Jamaican jockey Rajiv Maragh joined his native island nation in rooting for the Jamaican soccer team in the Gold Cup final against the United States Wednesday night in Santa Clara, Calif.

Jamaica pulled a huge 1-0 upset of Mexico in the semifinal round Sunday to advance to the final. The contest was not completed by press time.

“I’m so proud, I think they’re playing the best I’ve ever seen them play,” Maragh said after Race 5 Wednesday. “It’s kind of a win-win for me because if Jamaica or U.S. wins, I win.”

The Jamaicans are an underdog in the contest because the game is on American soil and because the population of the U.S. — 323 million — dwarfs the population of Jamaica — 2.9 million.

“It would mean a lot for such a small island with such a small population to have that kind of success,” Maragh said. “Either way they have nothing to be ashamed of to get to where they are.”

The 32-year-old jockey says he gets the same sort of support from fellow Jamaicans in his career.

“Jamaicans are passionate about a lot of stuff and sport is one of the things we’re most passionate about,” Maragh said. “I feel like wherever I’m at Jamaicans all over the world are behind me and happy for me.”

Maragh was unseated in the gate while on Saturdaynightfling before the start of Race 10. The horse was scratched and Maragh walked to an ambulance under his own power. His condition was not known at press time.