Sport

'Slicer' in deep waters

By ORVILLE CLARKE, Freelance Writer

Trevor Simpson - File

CHAMPION JOCKEY TREVOR 'Slicer' Simpson is in big trouble.

Yesterday, the operations stewards of the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) failed to accept his explanation re his riding of 3-2 favourite BADBOYBIN in the second race at Caymanas Park on Saturday, May 14. They have referred the matter to the full commission for appropriate action.

Meanwhile, Simpson, 34, has earned a mandatory 21-calendar-day suspension until the commission hears his case. This means the five-time champion jockey will miss the ride on the Richard Azan-trained ROYAL COMMAND in the 85th running of the Digicel Jamaica Derby at Caymanas Park on Saturday.

The race in dispute, contested by $330,000-$290,000 claimers over 1400 metres, resulted in a huge upset, victory going to the 59-1 outsider LADY ISIS with two-time champion jockey Joe Buchanan aboard.

Outpaced in last position for most of the way, LADY ISIS produced a devastating stretch run on the outside to win in a blanket finish from long-time leader BOUND FOR GLORY, REGGAE RULES and DR. RSF.

The Richie Todd-trained BADBOYBIN finished a mere two lengths sixth in the eight-horse field.

Jockey's explanation

The owner of BADBOYBIN was unhappy with the manner in which Simpson rode his horse and complained to the stewards immediately after the race.

After viewing the patrol film of the race, Simpson was summoned by the stewards to the Winchester Road offices of the Jamaica Racing Commission yesterday to explain his riding of BADBOYBIN.

According to operation steward Desmond Riley, the three-man panel after hearing submissions from Simpson and trainer Richie Todd, who conditions BADBOYBIN, did not accept the jockey's explanation.

"We felt Simpson did not ride the horse on its merit as required under Rule 200 of the Rules of Racing and thought the matter was so serious that it was out of our jurisdiction.

"We duly referred it to the commission for appropriate action," said Riley who was quick to add that Simpson has been stood down with immediate effect for 21 days.

Significantly, the stewards could have imposed the maximum suspension of 25 race days allowable by them on Simpson, but decided to refer the matter instead.

Champion jockey for the past three years, Simpson leads the 2005 standings with 36 winners ­ 12 clear of closest rival, the Trinidadian Brian Harding.