Racing fraternity saddened by death of three colleagues

They are trainer Paul Campbell, who died in his sleep at his Greater Portmore home on Thursday morning at age 50; trainer Robert Asphal, who was inactive at the time of his death; and veteran groom Emerald 'Taca' Montique, who died of a suspected heart attack last Friday night.

Montique was was attached to the stables of Gary Subratie for the past 12 years, and was the groom of MONEY HONEY and two young horses at the time of his death.

The two best-known horses with whom he had been associated were SHANGHAI PASS, who won the Prime Minister's Stakes and Chairman's Trophy grade one races some years ago, and UNKNOWN VARIABLE, both trained by Subratie.

Grooms' Association president Errol Thomas said 'Taca' was a hard worker who will be missed by the grooms fraternity. Subratie, in paying tribute to the late groom, described Montique as a dedicated worker who had been with him through thick and thin since he started training in 1999.

"We at the stable express our condolences to his family and friends in their hour of grief. May his soul rest in peace," said the top-10 trainer.

Campbell, who was once employed to Track & Pools as a clocker before taking up training in the early '90s, saddled 62 winners, including POINT GUARD, RAJPUT, NAVIGATOR, PRINCESS NERAK, NICK OF TIME, ROYAL SOLUTION, ALERT THE BRAVE and GUARDIAN ANGEL, with whom he won three races. He was assistant trainer to Fitz Crawford before obtaining his licence.

Funeral service for the late Paul Campbell will take place on Saturday, November 5 at the Church of the Conversion of St Paul, 5 West (Queen's Park), Greater Portmore, starting at 11 a.m., interment at Dovecot. Campbell is survived by wife Andrea, children Shawna-Kaye, Anna-Kaye and Paul Jr.

The management and staff of Caymanas Track Limited noted, with a great degree of sadness, that all have made their contribution to the sport they love so much and will be missed.