Reprieve for leading rider

Leading rider, apprentice Anthony Thomas, will reunite with CHACE THE GREAT in the seven-furlong Eros Trophy on St Leger Day, Saturday, July 28, after sitting out this weekend's nine-race card on a staggered two-day suspension, which he will complete on Emancipation Day, August 1.

Having accepted a two-day ban for interference caused while aboard CLEARLY OURS in the 11th race on June 9, Thomas's agent, Coorie 'Papa' Grant, explained that the two-kilo claiming rider had applied to the JRC for permission to stagger the suspension, allowing him to ride on St Leger Day.

CHACE THE GREAT signalled a return to form by beating crack sprinters such as MR UNIVERSE, MONEY MAGNET and SIEMPRE BUENO in last Saturday's five-furlong straight Reggae Trophy, carrying near topweight 121lb.

Thomas, who enjoyed a breakout season last year, enhanced his reputation with victory aboard SHE'S A MANEATER, a chance ride in November's Superstakes, after the filly's owner, Winston Kong, had noticed his performance in winning the Caribbean Sprint astride CHACE THE GREAT earlier that afternoon.

HOT APPRENTICE

The hot apprentice, who has won eight races in the last four meets at Caymanas Park, moving to 58 winners this season, 19 clear of jockey Shane Ellis, could also possibly partner Richard Azan's MY BEIRUT in the St Leger, one of two winners he was astride on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Thomas has appealed two other suspensions, representing three racemeets, imposed by the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) stewards.

"We are appealing the other two suspensions, DISABILITY CHARM (two days) and UNCLE FRANK (one day). We asked for a stay of those suspensions while the appeals are being heard, so we are awaiting to hear whether he will be able to ride after August 1," Grant pointed out.