Subject: INVESTIGATION – ELECTRICAL DEVICE TAKEN FROM APPRENTICE JOCKEY JAWANI FORBES AT THE RACE MEETING ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2019
June 10, 2019


The First Instance Tribunal, delegatees of the Jamaica Racing Commission, on Monday, 10th June, 2019 concluded an investigation under Section 25 of the Jamaica Racing Commission Act into a report by the Chairman of the Panel of Stewards of the race meeting of Saturday, January 5, 2019, regarding the matter of an electrical device taken from Jockey Jawani Forbes at the Starting Stall, prior to him riding horse No. 6, Jon Marshall in the sixth race. During the investigation, the Tribunal heard evidence on behalf of the Commission, as well as evidence from Jockey Jawani Forbes and Trainer Anthony Dixon. After considering the evidence, the Tribunal: ? Accepted the report of the Operations Stewards that the matter is a serious breach of the Rules of Racing. ? Accepted a report from Dr. St. Aubyn Bartlett; JP, that Electrical Pulse Training Aids (EPTA’s) battery are electrical devices used to apply on electrical current to the animal’s skin, especially in the region of the horse neck. • Accepted the evidence of Dr. St Aubyn Bartlett that the electrical device stimulates the nervous system of the horse to get the fright and flight response. ? Found that Jockey, Jawani Forbes had breached Rule 247(viii) of the Jamaica Racing Commission Racing Rules and imposed a fine of $200,000.00 on him to be paid within 90 days, that being before or on September 10, 2019. Jockey Forbes was also warned off from all premises where the Rules of Racing are in force, for a period of 24 months, effective 10th June, 2019. ? Trainer Anthony Dixon, was not found liable and was exonerated. Mr. Garth McBean Q.C., the Commission’s Legal Adviser, marshalled the evidence on behalf of the Commission. Mr. Herbert McKenzie, Attorney at Law, represented Jockey Jawani Forbes. JAMAICA RACING COMMISSION 11th June, 2019