Jockey dead and three people ‘critical’ after chaotic race ends in tragedy

The Guyana Cup, the South American nation’s premier horse racing event, ended in tragedy with one jockey reported to have lost his life

A jockey has died and three people were reportedly ‘critical’ after a race meeting which ended with races being run in darkness.

The Guyana Cup is the premier horse racing event in the South American nation, staged at the Rising Sun Turf Club in Berbice with the feature race worth £70,000, the richest in the region. Over 100 horses were declared to line up in the 11 races on Sunday but the event descended into chaos after delays led to the later races, including the feature, having to be run in near darkness.

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According to local reports there was a starting stall malfunction during the Guyana Cup which resulted in several horses including last year’s race winner Olympic Kremlin get left. He then unseated his rider, one of three falls during the race..

Tragically one of those jockeys, named as Kishawn Pereira, came off his mount Blinding Lights when the horse slipped and fell during the race and was galloped over by the horse behind.

The teenager, a highly promising jockey, and while receiving medical treatment, died of his injuries while being transported to Bath hospital.

Eyewitnesses told stabroeknews.com that conditions were hazardous with fireworks set off as the horses crossed the line. “It was dark and the track had wet spots and loose dirt.”

More details have still to emerge with the racecourse yet to comment on what unfolded. Participants and fans have called for the full investigation.

The island’s chief whip, the Hon Christopher Jones MP, posted on his Facebook account, “Breaking News: one jockey Dead and 3 critical at the Guyana cup!!” He gave no further details.