Latenightpass could prove appropriately named if justifying Tom Ellis’ last-minute decision to join the professional training ranks in search of Randox Grand National victory.
A stalwart of the point-to-point scene, Ellis of course knows all about Latenightpass. Bred by his mother Pippa, the diminutive 11-year-old is part of the furniture at the handler’s Warwickshire base and with his wife Gina Andrews in the saddle, the trainer has shepherded a career that has yielded many special memories for the family.
Loaned to best friend Dan Skelton so his wife could fulfil her ambition of riding in the cross-country races at Cheltenham, success in that sphere – when downing Aintree rivals Minella Indo and Galvin in December – saw Grand National ambitions suddenly become more than just a dream.
The lure of a National runner in his own name proved too much to resist for the five-times national champion between the flags, with Ellis deciding to walk away from the pointing field that has long been his life to hastily ensure his name is listed against Latenightpass on the Aintree racecard.
He said: “It was definitely bittersweet to a point, going professional. Point-to-pointing has been a part of my life since the age of 16 really and has been very good to me.
“It’s taught me everything I know, I met my wife through it, we’ve built a good business through it and it has literally been everything to us. It’s what we’ve spent every weekend doing for the last 24 years, so it is sad to think I had my last runner at Brafield-On-The-Green the other weekend and it was the end of an era really.
“But however long I trained for, I doubt we will ever have another Grand National runner bred by my mother and ridden by my wife, so it made sense to try.
“We’ll give everything we can to this next chapter now and Gina is going to continue doing some of the pointers in her name and it would just be really nice if we could build on the success we’ve had in the point-to-point field and transfer that to the professional world.”
In a year lacking the traditional Aintree fairytale, a decorated point-to-point champion turning professional to saddle a horse owned by his mother and ridden by his wife is just the sort of story which captures the imagination on the day the nation goes to the races.
The Grand National can be very much a family affair and Ellis will not be the first husband to give his wife the leg-up in the race.
In recent years, Katie Walsh partnered Ross O’Sullivan’s Baie Des Iles to finish 12th in 2017 and Carrie Ford famously teamed up with her then husband Richard when fifth aboard Forest Gunner in 2005.
However, whereas Walsh’s best finishing position over the Grand National obstacles is third, like Ford, Andrews has tasted success over the big fences at Aintree and her husband is relishing the moment she tackles the famous spruce once again in the world’s most famous steeplechase.
“I’ll get some buzz out of it,” said Ellis. “I would love winning a maiden point-to-point with Gina on, so I will get some buzz watching a National with Gina in it definitely.
“I think anyone who has a connection to anyone in any race will get more of a buzz watching and we’re very privileged to be a part of the horse.
“Of course the nerves will build as the National gets closer, but in terms of Gina riding, I’m used to that.
“I watch it happen every weekend and I get more nervous if Gina is riding for other people than when she rides for us, because she knows our horses inside out and we would only run them if they have been well prepared or schooled well.
“If it’s someone I don’t know or a horse I don’t know, that’s more nerve-racking for me than watching her ride in a National I would say.”
Although this will be a first Grand National runner for Ellis, Andrews and Latenightpass, they are in fact seasoned regulars at Aintree competing over the National course.
In three appearances in the Aintree Foxhunters’, Latenightpass has finished no worse than fourth – when far from his best 12 months ago – and had previously finished second in 2021 before landing the spoils a year later.
Always among the favourites for that amateur riders’ contest, it is an annual feature for Ellis to be training Latenightpass with one day in April in mind, and this time around he is simply switching focus to a race over an extra circuit of the Merseyside venue.
“I don’t get nervous as I’m used to it and we’ve been to three Aintree Festivals with him now,” added Ellis
“Everyone says to me ‘are you nervous’ and it sounds really weird but I don’t think I’m feeling as much pressure with him this year as I have the previous two years to be honest.
“Two years ago we were going there on the back of being second the year before and there was an expectation, probably on our own part, to run well. You were going there thinking he had a good chance and he obviously did and won.
“Last year we went there as defending champion and to be honest, we had a horrible run up to the race. We never had him right all season for whatever reason that was and we went there thinking ‘I hope he runs all right’ because everything hadn’t gone positive on our own part. He ran all right luckily, but I still think he ran a stone below his best that day.”
“But I cannot have any expectations this time and I can’t expect to win the National.”
Ellis may not expect to take home the Grand National trophy, but the general 20-1 shot could inadvertently play a significant role in deciding the destination of the trainers’ championship.
Having helped Latenightpass navigate the opening two-thirds of the season, a share of the Grand National’s £1million prize-fund would have been a significant boost to Skelton in his battle with former boss Paul Nicholls.
Ellis is now faced with the prospect of fulfilling his own dreams while preventing one of his oldest friends from accomplishing one of his own long-held ambitions.
He said: “I suppose the worst thing that could happen is if Latenightpass runs well in the National and Dan just misses out in the trainers’ championship, that would just take the edge off it slightly for me.
“It’s very good of Dan to have done what he has this year and I owe him an awful lot for that. At the end of the day, he’s my best mate and I would love to see him get his first title on the board.
“We were at school together literally a mile away from where my yard is now and we spent a lot of time together as kids growing up. We used to come home from school at lunchtimes and ride out two point-to-pointers I had in training and school them over fences and then go back to school in the afternoon.
“We grew up watching racing together and it’s great to have him as a mate to call on, definitely.”
Skelton will be back in his role of supportive best pal when Ellis – having won the race against time to ensure he is officially recognised as the gelding’s trainer – heads to the pre-parade to saddle up on April 13.
And with trainer modules and required paperwork now taken care of, the latest member of the training ranks can now look forward to Latenightpass’ shot at Aintree immortality with excitement.
“He’s in very good form and I couldn’t be happier with him at the moment. We’re nearly there really and so far we’ve had a nice run with him,” said Ellis.
“I got my modules done and then everything was quite tight time-wise as he needed to be in training with me 16 days before the National, which he has been. The British Horseracing Authority has been very helpful and worked with us well on that. I’ve got everything done and ticked all the right boxes hopefully.
“I hope he runs well and I think with a clear round and a bit of luck, he will be there or thereabouts turning in.
“After that it will be whether he is good enough really, so I’m just really enjoying the build up with him this time and I’m not feeling any nerves or pressure with him, as daft as it sounds. That might change nearer the day I imagine.
“Let’s hope we can do it for England because we don’t have many chances do we! It looks like complete Irish domination once again, but we’ll see and we’ll be giving it our best shot anyway.”
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.
SVREL apologizes for disruption and cancellation of Heroes' Day Race Meet at Caymanas Park
Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL) has issued an apology to its customers and stakeholders following the cancellation of Monday’s Heroes' Day race meet at Caymanas Park. The cancellation came after a series of disruptions stemming from the disqualification of the first-place finisher in Race 2, which caused unrest among some punters at the track.
In a statement, SVREL explained the incident: "On Monday, October 21, 2024, a series of unfortunate events led to the disruption and subsequent cancellation of races at Caymanas Park by the Jamaica Racing Commission Stewards."
The unrest began when the stewards' decision in Race 2 led to the disqualification of the initial winner. Displeased with the result, some punters expressed their dissatisfaction by throwing debris, creating an unsafe environment for patrons, participants, and horses.
"After the announcement of the race results, some punters became agitated and expressed their dissatisfaction in a manner that compromised the safety and security of all present. This included the throwing of debris across the Park, creating an unsafe environment for patrons, participants, and horses alike," the statement continued.
As the situation grew more volatile, trainers began voicing concerns for their safety, leading to the cancellation of subsequent races.
"In light of this development and prioritizing the safety of the horses, horsemen, punters, and all attendees, the stewards made the decision to abandon race 4 and subsequently, the entire race meet for the day," SVREL said.
The company further emphasized that security personnel, supported by the police, were working to manage the situation and prevent any further escalation.
SVREL concluded by offering a formal apology for the inconvenience caused: "Supreme Ventures Racing & Entertainment Limited, the operator of Caymanas Park, extends our sincerest apologies to our valued customers and stakeholders for the inconvenience caused by the abandonment of the race meet."
The company reiterated its commitment to the safety of all involved in the sport, while promising to address the issues that led to the disruption.
Caymanas Park set for growth through international investment
Jamaica's premier horse racing venue is poised for significant growth and more international recognition, thanks to a strategic partnership with the New York Racing Association (NYRA). This collaboration, ignited by the improvement being done at the park by operators Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL) over the past seven, potentially marks a turning point for the Jamaican horse racing industry.
In a major boost to the Caymanas Park's profile, NYRA and FOX Sports have committed to a two-year agreement to broadcast the prestigious Mouttet Mile Invitational live in the USA. This partnership renewal comes after the resounding success of the 2023 Mouttet Mile Invitational which was televised live for the first time on FOX Sports.
SVREL Executive Chairman Solomon Sharpe expressed his joy with the development. “Since SVREL has been at the helm of operations at Caymanas Park, we’ve made US multi-million-dollar investments into the product and the infrastructure as we strongly believe in the value of horseracing as an industry. We are very excited to have NYRA see the gem that Caymanas Park is and for them to step up and commit to investing in the product to help bring the sport to international racing fans. By all accounts, last year’s broadcast on FOX Sports was a hit. Racing fans from NY to California fell in love with the energy of racing at Caymanas Park and so we’re very pleased to have FOX and NYRA back on board for not just this year but also the 2025 Mouttet Mile. The potential for the growth of the local industry with the exposure and support from NYRA and FOX is limitless.”
Sharpe has consistently shared his vision for the facility to become the premier destination for sports and entertainment in the Caribbean.
In addition to broadcasting the next two editions of the Mouttet Mile, FOX Sports also stated that the extended coverage will showcase not only the world-class racing at Caymanas Park but also the venue's unique and electric atmosphere brought by the passionate racing fans. The partnership will also officially make the linkage between sports and tourism by including Jamaica’s natural beauty and historical sites in the broadcast partnership. They will also be showcasing not only the racing but the passion of the fans at Caymanas Park who add to the unique energy at the iconic venue.
Overseas punters are not to be left out as NYRA will offer a special Pick 5 wager that includes not only two graded stakes at Caymanas Park, including the Mouttet Mile but also the prestigious Cigar Mile at Aqueduct—a Grade 1 race with a purse of US$750,000.
"NYRA is looking to host an inter tote wagering double race with the Mouttet Mile and the Cigar Mile. Interest in the Mouttet Mile and by extension, Caymanas Park, has spread from coast to coast in the USA. Making betting on the Mouttet Mile accessible in the USA is a great achievement and it takes us closer to realising the ultimate goal of having the race included in the World Pool,” said Sharpe.
He also hinted at a possible purse increase for next year's Mouttet Mile.
The Mouttet Mile Invitational is a Grade One event for three-year-olds and upward going over a mile (1,600m) and in successive years has set the record for the largest purse in the English-speaking Caribbean. The 2024 purse is set at a historic US $250,000. The 3rd Running of the Mouttet Mile is scheduled for December 7.
This year’s staging is already shaping up to be an exciting affair with early interest from 7 prominent overseas-based horses and two local horses already earning their automatic spots in an exciting Win and You’re In promotion by copping wins in The Jamaica Derby (Gr. 1) and the Philip Feanny OD Gold Cup (Gr. 1). The final Win & You’re In instalments are The Jamaica Cup (Gr. 1) and Port Royal Sprint (Gr. 3) scheduled for November 9.
The collaboration between Caymanas Park and NYRA represents a significant milestone for Jamaica's horse racing industry.
Sharpe concluded “Over the past few years we’ve been able to attract some local corporate sponsors which we see as an endorsement of SVREL’s efforts to elevate horseracing and create a thriving ecosystem around it. This endorsement by an organization like NYRA bodes well for the future of racing and we can’t wait to welcome even more international partners on board as we grow a sustainable product. All of this happening in Caymanas Park’s 65th anniversary year makes it extra special.”
Building on the solid groundwork laid by SVREL's investments and innovations, this partnership with NYRA is expected to bring new opportunities, increased investment, and a higher international profile to Jamaican horse racing.
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