In a season-long duel that captivated racing enthusiasts, Raddesh 'Sneaky Fox' Roman emerged as the 2024 Jockeys’ Champion, as he edged rival Tevin Foster by a single win in a thrilling conclusion at Caymanas Park on Saturday.
Roman secured his maiden title with 133 winners, narrowly outlasting Foster, who registered 132 in what has been hailed as one of the most gripping championships in recent memory.
The showdown evoked memories of the legendary 2020 battle between Dane Nelson and Anthony Thomas, which ended in a rare tie. However, this year, Roman stood alone at the summit, marking a triumphant end to a season filled with twists, turns, and high stakes.
Roman entered the nine-race card with a slim three-win lead over Foster. While many expected fireworks, the tension soared as Foster, who once held a commanding 17-win advantage earlier in the season, mounted a fiery comeback.
Foster’s relentless determination saw him dominate the early part of the day, claiming victories in the second, third, and fourth races aboard Honour Prince, Supremasi, and Shelly The Rocket, respectively.
At that point, Foster pulled level with Roman at 132 wins apiece, setting the stage for an electrifying finale. However, Roman responded with poise, as he secured his lone win aboard Phillip Elliott’s Oil Machine in the fifth race.
That single victory proved decisive, as Foster, despite his best efforts, fell agonizingly short as his momentum faltered in the critical later stages of the card.
Riding with the weight of expectation, he placed second in his next three races, including the much-anticipated final event. In that dramatic last race, Foster’s charge, Medal Award, was edged out by Clowning Around, ridden by apprentice Emelio McLean, who denied him the victory that would have forced a tie.
“It’s heartbreaking to come so close and fall short, especially after the effort we put in this season. But that’s racing. You win some, you lose some. I am thankful to the Almighty that I was able to finish healthy, and I am thankful for my sponsors, TruShake. The motivation and drive were welcomed, and I hope they continue to strive and help more jockeys like they do with me, Roman, [Javaniel] Patterson, and [Reyan] Lewis,” Foster said.
“This was my most successful season in racing, and I am happy for it. Even though I lost by one, I am a true champion. So I am just hoping to keep it going next year,” the Gregory Park-based jockey added.
For Roman, who hails from Newlands, also in the parish, the triumph marked the culmination of years of hard work and resilience.
“This is a dream come true. Tevin rode really well and pushed me to my limits, so I am just thankful that I am the one that came out on top,” Roman said, his voice filled with emotion.
“It was a very good competition because both of us are very good riders, so again, I am very grateful. Most of my family are champions, and I always wanted to join that legacy, so I am very grateful for the support of my trainers, owners, family, and fans,” he noted.