Jamaican jockey Tevin Foster is making a triumphant return to his home turf, igniting excitement among racing enthusiasts. After a stellar debut season in Canada, where he secured 14 wins, 23 second-place finishes, and 29 third-place finishes from 173 mounts, amassing earnings of CAN$252,194, Foster is poised to dominate the tracks this weekend with 10 scheduled rides. His packed agenda begins on Saturday, where he’ll partner with Cassini for trainer Adrian Prince in the opening race, followed by Dancing Aviator for Jason DaCosta in the third. The action continues with Green Gold Rush for Ryan Darby in the sixth, J Spieth for DaCosta in the eighth, and concludes with Provident for DaCosta in the final event. Sunday’s lineup is equally thrilling, with Foster aboard Princess Fiannie for Omar Williams in the first race, Money Monster for Adrian Prince in the fourth, and the highly anticipated St Elizabeth Distaff, where he’ll ride Fearless Force for Anthony Nunes. The Port Royal Sprint will see him team up with Is That A Fact for DaCosta, and he’ll wrap up the weekend with Girvano for DaCosta in the Jamaica Cup. Foster’s return is particularly poignant as Jamaica continues to recover from the devastation wrought by Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, which struck the island on October 28. All eyes will be on Foster as he aims to deliver a stellar performance on home soil.
作者： admin
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Nunes’ strong hand: Fearless Force and Linguist lead pack in St Elizabeth Distaff
Trainer Anthony ‘Baba’ Nunes is emerging as a formidable force in the upcoming $1.5-million St Elizabeth Distaff, scheduled for Sunday. With his top two runners, Fearless Force and Linguist, Nunes has a strong chance to clinch the Overnight Allowance contest for three-year-old fillies and mares over one mile (1,600m). Here’s an analysis of the runners and their prospects:
1. **Pretty Perfect**: The Winston ‘Fanna’ Griffiths Classic winner faces a daunting challenge against a highly competitive field, making her likely to be outclassed.
2. **Burning Hedge**: This year’s 1000 Guineas champion has shown remarkable consistency but will face stiff competition from Fearless Force and stablemate Linguist.
3. **Sistren Treasure (USA)**: Struggling in recent performances, this filly is unlikely to make a significant impact in this race.
4. **Immeasurable Joy**: Given the strength of the competition, this contender has little chance of securing a win.
5. **Main Mistress (USA)**: A recent winner on October 25, she is expected to perform well but is unlikely to take the top spot.
6. **Fearless Force (USA)**: Unbeatable on paper, Fearless Force has trained exceptionally well and is stepping down in class, making her the top contender to lead the pack and claim the trophy.
7. **Linguist**: The Jamaica Oaks winner has excelled in her two starts at this level and could challenge Fearless Force for top honors, positioning her as a strong contender for an upset.
— Ruddy Allen
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Claiming system vs handicap system: Which is better for Jamaica’s horse racing?
The horse racing industry has long relied on classification systems to ensure fair competition and drive profitable wagering. However, the claiming system, a method that categorizes horses into over 20 artificial groups based on factors like age, sex, and earnings rather than genetic ability, has proven to be a significant failure. Unlike the handicap system, which assigns weights to horses based on past performances to equalize their chances, the claiming system lacks the ability to balance form and ability effectively. This has led to a decline in competitive wagering, as superior horses often dominate races, leaving little room for unpredictability.
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Jamaica Cup showdown: Funcaandun favours to win
The Jamaica Cup, a prestigious Graded Stakes race for three-year-olds and above, is poised to deliver an electrifying spectacle this Sunday, November 16, 2025. Held over 9 ½ furlongs (1,900m), the event promises to be a thrilling contest with a $6-million purse up for grabs. Adding to the excitement, the winner secures automatic entry into the highly anticipated Mouttet Mile on December 6, raising the stakes even higher.
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Another One set to romp home in feature race
The highly anticipated StarGas United Racehorse Trainers’ Association of Jamaica (URTAJ) Trophy, boasting a prize pool of $1.25 million, is set to headline the racing action at Caymanas Park tomorrow. A competitive field of 13 runners will vie for victory in the Restricted Overnight Allowance contest, open to three-year-olds and older, over a distance of 6 furlongs (1,200 meters). Here’s an in-depth look at the contenders and their prospects:
1. **KWAKU**: With no notable form, this seven-year-old bay horse is considered a long shot.
2. **SUPER ALEX**: Despite recent consistency, this five-year-old chestnut horse is expected to struggle in this competitive field.
3. **ZULU WARRIOR**: Narrowly defeated in his last outing, this four-year-old chestnut colt could improve against tougher rivals.
4. **ALLEGIANCE**: Known for his strong finishing ability, this four-year-old chestnut colt might spring a surprise despite needing more distance.
5. **PROVIDENT**: Likely to fall behind, making him a horse to avoid.
6. **I DREAM AGAIN**: The Jamaica Derby winner has yet to shine at this level but could still place.
7. **CALIFORNIA GOLD**: With no winning prospects, this five-year-old bay horse is best bypassed.
8. **HUNTSMAN**: Expected to perform well but unlikely to win.
9. **COMEHOMETOME**: Despite underwhelming performances, this four-year-old bay filly has the class to make a bold bid.
10. **ANOTHER ONE**: The standout contender, this three-year-old bay colt is tipped to dominate the race.
11. **OIL MACHINE**: Lacks the form to make an impact.
12. **KING’S CROWN**: Best avoided due to poor recent performances.
13. **COOKIE DAY N NIGHT**: Likely to struggle against this field.The race promises thrilling competition, with **Another One** emerging as the clear favorite to claim the prestigious trophy.
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JBG CRISIS DEEPENS
Jamaica Broilers Group (JBG) has reported a staggering $7.2 billion net loss for the fiscal year ending May 3, 2025, following the discovery of significant accounting irregularities in its US operations. The irregularities necessitated a restatement of prior financial results, leading to a massive write-down of intangible assets, goodwill, and biological assets, which severely impacted the company’s equity. The restatement erased billions from the company’s stated equity, resulting in a consolidated group loss despite a $2.5 billion net profit from its core Jamaican operations, which include the Best Dressed Chicken and Hi-Pro Ace brands. The US subsidiaries, however, reported a net loss of $9.1 billion, completely offsetting the gains from Jamaica. The financial turmoil triggered a breach of the company’s debt covenants, prompting its auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), to highlight a ‘material uncertainty’ about the group’s ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated balance sheet now shows liabilities exceeding assets, with negative equity of $10.03 billion and total borrowings of $42.5 billion. The company’s directors have implemented a survival plan, including detailed cash flow forecasting and cost control measures, while engaging in ongoing discussions with financial institutions. The scandal, centered on inflated asset values and hidden debts in the US operations, led to the departure of the entire US management team, including Stephen Levy, the brother of Group President and CEO Christopher Levy. PwC issued a qualified opinion on the financial statements, citing insufficient evidence regarding the completeness of the accounting irregularities. The restatement erased $22 billion from the company’s historical profits, revealing that the previously reported earnings never existed. The company’s liquidity position is precarious, with current liabilities of $63 billion significantly exceeding current assets of $28.5 billion. Despite the crisis, the core Jamaican operations remain profitable, with a 33% rise in operating profit to $2.12 billion in the latest quarter. However, the impending $40 billion restatement looms over the company’s future. The scandal has severely impacted investor confidence, with the stock price plummeting 35.75% since the start of the year. The company’s ability to renegotiate terms with lenders and stabilize its US operations will determine its survival.
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RACING BACK ON TRACK
Live racing is poised to make a triumphant return to Caymanas Park this Saturday, November 15, following a three-week suspension caused by the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa on western Jamaica. The event, eagerly awaited by enthusiasts, marks the first race meeting since October 25. Solomon Sharpe, Executive Chairman of Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL), expressed his enthusiasm for the revival, highlighting the sport’s vital role in supporting the local community, including trainers, jockeys, and thousands of others dependent on it for their livelihoods. The resumption of live racing is expected to fill a significant void and provide a much-needed economic boost. Despite structural damage to five stables and the replacement of damaged rails, repairs are well underway. Over 300 horses have consistently completed their workouts, signaling readiness for the event. However, the financial toll has been severe, with estimated losses of $100 million due to the suspension of live racing and simulcast services. The hurricane also disrupted operations at over 100 Offtrack Betting Parlours (OTBs), with 40% temporarily out of service. SVREL is committed to aiding national recovery efforts by revitalizing Caymanas Park and stimulating business across Jamaica. The racing community has responded positively, with 103 horses nominated for nine races on Saturday and over 100 horses entered in 10 races on Sunday, including the prestigious Grade One Jamaica Cup and Port Royal Sprint, whose winners will qualify for the Mouttet Mile in December.
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U13 quarterfinals showcase budding cricket talent
The Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) Laborie Credit Union Under-13 Grassroots Tournament witnessed a thrilling weekend of cricket, with Kaiden Charlery emerging as the standout performer. His impressive half-century propelled Sulphur City into the semifinals after a dominant 37-run victory over South Castries in the quarterfinals held on November 9 at Desruisseaux. Batting first, Sulphur City posted a total of 119 runs, with Charlery contributing a commanding 62. South Castries struggled in response, managing only 82 runs, despite efforts from Kaylan St Juste and Alaska James, who claimed three wickets. Meanwhile, Desruisseaux secured their semifinal spot by defeating Mon Repos, chasing down a target of 124 with five wickets to spare. Dennery also advanced, crushing Micoud by 78 runs, thanks to captain Kaiden Emile’s stellar bowling performance of 5-8. In another match, Babonneau triumphed over South Castries by four wickets, with Vincy Cadasse leading the charge. Despite their elimination, South Castries’ Ariana Dujon praised her team’s spirit, emphasizing the joy of the game. The tournament continues on November 15, with Babonneau facing Choiseul and Laborie taking on Dennery in the next round of quarterfinals.
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No More Paper! SSB Plans to Go Fully Digital with Sickness Benefit Claims
The Social Security Board (SSB) has announced a significant shift in its operations, moving all sickness benefit claims to a fully digital platform starting December 1st, 2025. This transition will require all claims to be submitted online through the My Social Security portal, marking the end of paper-based submissions for this benefit.
Vaessa Vellos, SSB’s Communications and PR Manager, explained that the decision follows nearly a year of internal testing and user feedback. ‘We believe the system is now robust enough to take this next step in our journey towards full online submission for sickness benefit claims,’ Vellos stated.
Previously, the process involved manual form filling, visits to HR departments, doctor consultations, and in-person document submissions. The new system streamlines this by allowing employees, employers, and doctors to complete their portions of the claim electronically. ‘Now, you control the narrative. With your portal account, you can handle all aspects of the claim online,’ Vellos added.
The SSB aims to process and pay sickness benefits within three business days under the new system. ‘Isn’t their time more valuable than standing in line?’ Vellos remarked.
For those less comfortable with technology, Vellos assured that customer service agents are available to assist with navigating the portal. The board currently processes approximately 5,600 sickness claims each month, with over 70,000 users already registered on the portal. SSB also plans to move retirement and maternity benefits online in the near future.
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Antigua and Barbuda to Establish Agro-Industrial Park to Strengthen Food Security
The government of Antigua and Barbuda has unveiled plans to establish an agro-industrial park aimed at enhancing food security and expanding local agricultural production. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, announced that two potential sites—Old Road and Christian Valley—are under consideration for the project. The development will feature agro-processing facilities, a feed mill, and model homes constructed using sustainable materials. Merchant emphasized that the park will play a pivotal role in reducing the nation’s dependence on imported animal feed while promoting value-added processing in the farming sector. Speaking at a post-briefing session on Thursday, he highlighted the project as a cornerstone of the administration’s strategy to foster a self-sufficient and resilient agricultural economy. The initiative underscores the government’s dedication to food sustainability and rural development, marking a significant step toward long-term economic and environmental resilience.