THERE was a spectre haunting champion jockey Dane Nelson. It was that of a long suspension, and with it the possibility of losing his championship which he yearned for so long and which became a reality for him last year.

On January 5 of this year, Nelson rode Hogan’s Hero and lost in a bang-up finish to Social Butterfly. Subsequently, Nelson was called by the stewards of the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) and slapped with the charge of not riding his horse on merit. The champion jockey first faced a hearing of the stewards as the racing judicial process is set up.

The result of that inquiry was a 10-day suspension, which he promptly appealed. The appeal again, according to the JRC procedures, meant a hearing before the commissioners of the JRC. That hearing was postponed several times for various reasons causing Nelson to carry the burden of not knowing his fate for a while. It was an obvious bother for him as his riding suffered, and the usual swagger was definitely absent.

The hearing before the commissioners was finally held on Thursday, March 21. What was the verdict? Nelson was exonerated and was quoted as saying: “I am a free man again.”

A burden had been lifted from his shoulders. Evidence of this came on Saturday when the smile and the sashay returned.

Many race fans have hinted that it was a bad decision by the commissioners while, of course, there are others who believe the decision was just. Whether or not one believes that the decision was correct or not, we must believe in the process, accept the decision, and move on.

Nelson was charged. He faced the stewards and was given a suspension. He appealed his suspension and the authority, which is the board of commissioners of the JRC, exonerated him. That is the process; that is the system which allows for disciplinary actions in racing, and that is the system which allows for the protection of racing participants.

The system is not perfect, none in existence since mankind banded in communities thousands of years ago have ever been. Yet the system in place for racing seems to be consistent. That’s all one can ask and if there is disagreement with the decisions of the commissioner there is yet another avenue, the official judicial process where appeals can be lodged.

Nelson is doing the right thing by getting on with the conduct of his trade. Let us join him, irrespective of whether bets were affected.