CTL, jockeys grieve for dead rider

Caymanas Track Limited (CTL) and the Jamaica Jockeys' Guild have expressed sadness at the tragic death of jockey Kemar Lynch and have extended condolences to his family.

Lynch, 28, was shot and killed by gunmen shortly after 1 p.m. on Monday in Passagefort, near Caymanas Park, in Portmore.

According to police reports, residents heard explosions in the community and alerted the lawmen. He was found suffering from gunshot wounds.

Reacting to his death, Du'von Litchmore, president of the Jockeys' Guild, said both Lynch and himself attended Calabar High School and became jockeys after leaving school.

"The fact that we came up together makes it all the more difficult for me," said Litchmore. "On behalf of the Jockeys' Guild, I extend sincere condolences to his family in this their time of grief," he added.

Similar sentiments were expressed by the acting marketing manager of CTL, Michael Sibbles, on behalf of the promoting company. He noted that the jockey, though inactive in recent years, had made his contribution to the sport.

Kemar is the son of jockey-turned-trainer, Patrick 'Wacky' Lynch, who saddled the odds-on favourite COLD GROUND to win the fourth race over 2000 metres on Wednesday's programme.

A 2002 graduate of the Jockeys' School in a batch which included Dane Nelson, Paul Francis and Oneil Mullings, Lynch rode a total of 22 winners. Although starting out as a very promising apprentice, his career was derailed by weight problems and injury. As a result, he rode sparingly in the past four years, his last winner being BUSTER JACK for trainer Neville Cooper in 2008.

- O. C.