Owners pay it forward to Caymanas jockeys

In a show of support and gratitude to 94 jockeys and agents who are now unemployed at Caymanas Park after the suspension of racing, a group of prominent owners, headed by Carlton Watson, handed over a cheque of over $1.1 million to Jamaica Jockeys' Guild president Shane Ellis last week.

"We understand what is happening at Caymanas Park now because people are suffering, people are getting laid off, people are crying, and the racetrack is situated in a very poor community (Gregory Park, St Catherine)," Watson said.

Come on board

"The jockeys are persons who don't get a regular salary, so if they don't ride, then they won't get a salary.

"So after giving the grooms over 300 care packages, the jockeys president and a few jockeys reached out to me, and I called upon some very prominent owners at Caymanas Park, and they have come on board and supported me well with this project."

Watson said that each jockey and agent will receive $10,000.

"In times like these, to give a $10,000 package to somebody who is not working, I am sure that it will take them a very far way," he said.

"As a very prominent owner and being here every day, I understand their pain, so it was easy for me to get the other owners on board to make this donation."

Ellis, a former champion jockey, said that they are delighted for the support that they have received from the owners.

"We really appreciate this thing that all the owners have put together, and I want to thank them for the kindness," he said. "I am very happy about this because at least they are thinking about us, and I do believe that this will go far way assisting most of us."