Derby appeal by Future King's connections hours away

The local racing industry is waiting with bated breath, hours before the appeal lodged by the connections of first past the post Future King in the Cal's Jamaica Derby a week and a half ago, is heard.

The appeal will be heard by the commissioners of the Jamaica Racing Commission starting at 9:30 at their Winchester Road headquarters.

The race day stewards disqualified Future King from first position over what they said was repeated interference and intimidation by his jockey Robert Halledeen against Orpheus and Bigdaddykool.

The double disqualification resulted in Orpheus being promoted to first over stable companion Bigdaddykool with Future King demoted to third.

Trainer Wayne DaCosta who conditions Future King spoke with RJR Sports ahead of the appeal hearing. “I’m just hoping that good sense will prevail because Future King basically did nothing,” said DaCosta.

Anthony ‘Baba’ Nunes who trains Orpheus and Bigdaddykool, also weighed in on the pending appeal. “I just hope it’s a fair appeal and whatever happens, I will accept the result,” said Nunes.

It was the first disqualification in the Derby for 50 years.