Christmas arrived early for Nicky Henderson at Sandown as Jonbon joined some of the Seven Barrows greats on the Tingle Creek roll of honour and provide a joyous end to a testing few days for the trainer.
It looked like Henderson could have been featuring in his own nightmare before Christmas as a wet week and heavy downpours over night at the Esher track scuppered plans to run some of his finest operators in the rearranged Fighting Fifth.
Constitution Hill, Shishkin and hot novice prospect Willmount were all erased from the Seven Barrows team sheet before the horsebox departed Lambourn on Saturday morning, but the great white hope to save the day was Jonbon as he returned to the scene of his coming of age Celebration Chase success hoping to add to his Grade One haul.
Jonbon far from dazzled in the Sandown slop, but proved he is developing into the consummate professional to give his handler some temporary relief.
“It’s been a very tough weekend to be honest and heart-breaking really,” said Henderson.
“Of course we wanted to run them, I wanted Shishkin to run, I wanted Constitution Hill to run and I was looking forward to Willmount in the first. It’s very disappointing.
“It’s nice to get that one put away and he can rest up now, it takes the pressure off.
“When you are 100-30 on you are pleased when it’s over, but he is very good.”
Henderson can now look forward to the second half of the campaign with Jonbon who has finally removed any thoughts of moving up in distance.
The Champion Chase is the plan and El Fabiolo is the target and all at Seven Barrows will now be focussed on downing their Arkle conqueror when they meet for a third time in March.
“You can’t take anything away from El Fabiolo and we have a bit to find,” continued Henderson.
“We did beat him a neck at Aintree in a Grade One hurdle the year before. It’s 1-1 and all to play for and we will be watching him carefully tomorrow no doubt.
“It’s their turn to have a little sweat and then we will plan the second half of the campaign.
“I can’t see that they will meet along the way and I don’t think we will be going to Ireland put it like that. I’m rather hoping that Willie (Mullins) will play the same game as us and we will get ready for a match in March.
“There was a time last year I thought he wanted further, but to be fair, ever since then all he’s done is show us he is a two-miler so I think we have to stick to that plan.”
For Constitution Hill and Shishkin, both will now head to their respective Boxing Day targets without a run this season, with Henderson hoping the racing public will understand why National Hunt’s flagship name will remain under lock and key until Kempton.
He added: “I think we have done the right thing and it may be disappointing for other people. But if Sandown people couldn’t see them then I’m sorry, but the Kempton people hopefully will see them.
“We had to make very difficult decisions last night, regrettably, but I think everybody has appreciated the reasoning.
“One thing you can’t do is come here and Kempton on Boxing Day. One of them had to be sacrificed for the other. No way is a horse going to come back from a race in this ground in 16 days, so they stayed at home and we hope for nicer ground at Kempton and hopefully they will both be there.”
Constitution Hill’s bombproof nature may make the Christmas Hurdle a simple formality on his return to action, but the master of Seven Barrows has always been concerned about the prospect of Shishkin contesting the King George VI Chase without a prep run.
However, time has now run out with Henderson left with no option but to head to Sunbury the day after Christmas and pray the enigmatic nine-year-old does not repeat the Ascot antics that saw him left at the start in a stubborn fit of petulance.
“We’ve said the whole way through that I can’t see how you can win the King George first time out,” explained Henderson.
“Now what do we do? Where can we go? I’m not going to go back to hurdles again or even think about it, he will almost certainly run in the King George.
“It’s quite an open King Gorge, but it doesn’t invite itself as a race for first-time outers. That start at Ascot was a catastrophe really. Not only did it cost him a run in a valuable race, but it has cost him his whole prep as well. With the weather we are where we are and we can’t do anything about it.
“The most important thing was to get a run into him because he can be a stroppy devil at home, but once you get a run into him he suddenly comes into our hands and we are in control. Maybe you will see me at the start? Although they tell me I’m not allowed to!”
Caymanas Park to celebrate retired horses with historic raceday
In a groundbreaking initiative, Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL) has partnered with the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) to host the inaugural Thoroughbred Aftercare Raceday at Caymanas Park on Saturday, November 23. This historic event, the first of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean, underscores the racing industry's commitment to responsible practices and the welfare of retired racehorses.
The dedicated raceday represents a significant step toward formalizing the retirement process for Jamaica’s thoroughbreds. Chris Wills, Vice President of Administration at SVREL, expressed pride in the initiative.
“This raceday is of special significance to us and is sure to become a staple on our racing calendar,” said Wills. “It’s a testament to our commitment to the animals that are the heart of our sport. We’re proud to partner with the JRC in taking proactive steps to ensure the dignity and care of the horses beyond their racing careers.”
The Jamaica Racing Commission, which oversees the largest population of thoroughbred horses on the island, has long championed initiatives to support racehorse welfare. Dr. Simone Johnally, the Commission Veterinarian at the JRC, emphasized the importance of honoring these horses and providing for their well-being after their racing days are over.
“These beautiful creatures spend an average of eight years within the racing product but have a lifespan of up to 30 years and deserve to be honored and provided with the care and support they need throughout their lives,” Dr. Johnally said.
She highlighted the versatility of retired racehorses, which often transition into new roles such as outrider ponies, trail and pleasure riding companions, members of the Mounted Troop Police, or participants in equestrian sports like show jumping, dressage, and polo. Additionally, retired horses can contribute to agriculture, equine-assisted therapy, and even serve as blood donors for medical institutions.
In recognition of the organizations supporting this vital cause, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Raceday will feature nine races, each named after key partner organizations. This creative approach not only celebrates collaboration but also raises awareness of the importance of aftercare for retired racehorses.
The event marks a crucial moment for Jamaica’s racing industry, setting a precedent for responsible racing practices and ensuring that the animals at the heart of the sport are treated with dignity and care throughout their lives. With initiatives like this, Caymanas Park is poised to lead the way in promoting horse welfare across the region.
iPrint joins forces with SVREL as Billboard Advertising Partner for Mouttet Mile 2024
iPrint is the latest corporate entity to signal its support for 2024 Mouttet Mile by coming onboard as the official billboard advertising partner for the event.
The partnership will see iPrint amplifying the event’s visibility with a series of impactful promotional displays on its traditional and electronic billboards across Kingston and St. Catherine.
“We’re proud to welcome iPrint on board as our advertising partner for the Mouttet Mile. Their expertise in outdoor advertising brings significant visibility and will help to raise public awareness and excitement for the event. We know their placements will reach thousands of potential attendees and will increase the anticipation and excitement for Jamaica’s premier racing event across key areas in Kingston and St. Catherine,” Aswanda Stoddart, SVREL AVP Administration, said.
iPrint’s involvement demonstrates its commitment to supporting Jamaica’s vibrant sports and entertainment scene and aligns with the company’s dedication to innovative advertising solutions that engage the community and bring high-profile events to the forefront.
“The efforts of SVREL in organizing and delivering this exceptional event, which not only elevates the profile of sports in Jamaica but also garners global attention through live broadcasts, are truly commendable,” said Mark Haddad, Sales Director at iprint Group of Companies.
“Supporting the Mouttet Mile aligns perfectly with the vision of enhancing and showcasing Brand Jamaica on the world stage. By collaborating with this diverse and prestigious event, we have a unique opportunity to amplify Jamaica’s cultural and sporting legacy. It is only fitting that we pledge our continued support to ensure the sustained success of the Mouttet Mile for many years to come, further solidifying Jamaica’s reputation as a hub of excellence and innovation,” he added.
SVREL and iPrint look forward to a successful collaboration that brings even more excitement to this year’s Mouttet Mile set for December 7 at Caymanas Park.
SVREL chairman calls for urgent reforms in stewarding after Heroes’ Day disruption at Caymanas Park
Following an internal investigation by Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL), significant gaps in training have been identified, leading to stewarding practices at Caymanas Park falling short of international standards. As a result, SVREL Executive Chairman Solomon Sharpe has called for urgent intervention from the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service to address these issues and ensure the future integrity of horse racing in Jamaica.
The investigation was prompted after the Heroes’ Day race meet at Caymanas Park was abandoned on Monday, October 21, 2024. A group of punters reacted violently to the stewards’ decision in Race 2, leading to the event’s cancellation for safety reasons. Sharpe stressed that the current state of officiating is not up to par for a racing jurisdiction aspiring to world-class status.
“Our internal investigation has identified significant training gaps that have resulted in local stewarding practices falling short of international standards,” Sharpe said. He explained that while SVREL provides the facilities for racing, the stewards' oversight falls under the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC), a government-appointed body. Sharpe believes this disparity between local and international standards must be addressed immediately.
In his statement, Sharpe emphasized that improving stewarding standards is critical for the growth of horse racing in Jamaica. He called for the implementation of mandatory certification programs for stewards, ensuring that they are properly trained to handle the complexities of modern racing. He also advocated for regular assessments and retraining of officials to maintain a high level of competence and consistency in their decision-making.
Sharpe further stressed the need for clear accountability frameworks to be established, so that all decisions made by stewards are transparent and based on consistent, well-defined criteria. This, he believes, would help avoid situations like the one on Heroes’ Day, where the lack of clarity led to confusion and frustration among punters. Moreover, Sharpe called for the introduction of an independent appeals mechanism that would allow for the review of stewarding decisions, ensuring fairness and trust in the system.
Sharpe explained that these reforms are essential to creating a level playing field and restoring confidence in the integrity of horse racing at Caymanas Park. He expressed frustration that despite previous discussions with the JRC about the need for improved officiating, little progress has been made.
The incident on Heroes’ Day, which caused significant financial losses estimated at over JMD$70 million, underscored the importance of addressing these issues urgently. While Sharpe acknowledged the passion of racing fans, he firmly condemned the violent behaviour that followed the stewards' decision, stating that it endangered lives and tarnished the reputation of the sport. "While we value our patrons' enthusiasm, any expression of discontent must remain within acceptable bounds of sporting behaviour,” he asserted.
Sharpe also expressed disappointment with the lack of response from industry stakeholders following the incident. He pointed out that many who are typically vocal about SVREL’s operations have remained silent on this serious breach of sporting conduct. He called on all stakeholders to take equal responsibility for the sport’s integrity and to advocate for improvements in officiating and the overall management of races.
“The growth and sustainability of horse racing in Jamaica require more than just infrastructure investment and promotional efforts,” Sharpe said. “It demands the consistent application of international best practices across all aspects of racing.”
SVREL remains committed to modernizing Caymanas Park and advancing Jamaican horse racing. However, Sharpe made it clear that this vision can only be achieved through collective responsibility, with all stakeholders playing an active role in improving the industry’s standards and holding each other accountable.
“The time has come for all stakeholders to demonstrate their commitment to the industry's growth not merely through words, but through actions, consistent engagement, and a willingness to address difficult issues head-on,” Sharpe concluded.
SportsMax is the Caribbean sports channel of choice, committed to providing sporting content of the highest quality to the Caribbean, delivered by a team of highly innovative, passionate and qualified professionals.
(876) 619-7629
digitalmedia@sportsmax.tv
