Robert Taylor dead at 42

Racing lost its fourth professional in recent months on Wednesday night when trainer Robert A. Taylor died suddenly in the Caymanas Park stable area, the victim of a stroke. He was 42.

Taylor, who was popularly called 'Drewpy', followed in the wake of fellow trainer Lloyd 'Bigga' Gordon, who died early in the season, lightweight jockey Anthony Baker and jockey Kemar Lynch, who died tragically in Portmore four weeks ago and was laid to rest on Sunday.

Taylor, who was associated with racing for 20 years, started out at the stables of Michael Silvera as his assistant trainer. He obtained a licence in 1998 after successfully completing the JRC course for assistant trainers and saddled his first winner, DANCING FOLLY, for owner Orville Suckie on Wednesday, June 17 that year.

Taylor, who was a close friend of top-line trainer Anthony 'Baba' Nunes whom he assisted from time to time, saddled a total of 44 winners, the last being GEYZER SPRING on December 4 last year.

Reacting to his death, the presidents of both trainers' associations - Vin Edwards, head of the Jamaica Racehorse Trainers' Association, and Richie Todd, president of the United Racehorse Trainers' Association of Jamaica - have expressed regret at the passing of Taylor. Condolences to his family have also come from promoters Caymanas Track Limited.

Nunes disclosed that Taylor suffered from a heart problem seven years ago. The trainer added that he became ill a fortnight ago and was put on medication. "I am very, very sad to hear of his death," he said.