Patriarch disqualified; Nelson's 2020 jockey's championship tally reduced by one

One of two developments which could affect the official outcome of the 2020 local jockeys' championship has been settled. Three-time former champion jockey Dane Nelson and 2018 winner Anthony Thomas ended the 2020 racing season in a provisional tie with 84 wins each.

However, Nelson's tally has now been reduced by one, following the disqualification of Patriarch which he had ridden to victory on January 4 of last year.

The First Instance Tribunal of the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) has concluded an investigation into a positive urine sample returned by Patriarch for the prohibited substance furosemide, following the conclusion of the race in question.

A release from the JRC said the split sample was subsequently analysed and it was confirmed that furosemide was present in the sample. As a result, Patriarch has been disqualified from the race in question.

Meanwhile, the First Instance Tribunal also ruled that trainer Anthony Nunes and groom Kevin Williams, failed to rebut the presumption of negligence surrounding the positive test returned by Patriarch.
 
As a result, Nunes was fined $50,000, while Williams was penalized with a $25,000 fine. The fines are to be paid within 30 days. Meanwhile, there's another outstanding matter which could influence the final outcome of the 2020 jockey's race.

It surrounds an appeal by trainer Nunes against the disqualification of first past the post Corazon on October 10 of last year. That race was awarded to Mr Universe who was ridden by Thomas.