The stage is set for a thrilling and exciting conclusion to the 2024 jockeys’ championship as Raddesh Roman and Tevin Foster go head-to-head on the final day of racing at Caymanas Park.

The two riders have been locked in a fierce battle for supremacy for most of the season, and it all comes down to this.

Roman holds a three-win advantage over Foster, courtesy of his impressive three-timer on the penultimate day of racing on Thursday. Roman was successful aboard Unruly Boss, Indestructible, and Fearless Force, while Foster had one winner in Storm Valley. Roman is on 132 winners to Foster’s 129 winners.

That performance by Roman not only gave him a numerical edge but also a psychological boost, as he seeks to claim his first jockeys’ title.

However, Foster is not one to give up easily. With eight rides lined up for today’s nine-race programme, he will be looking to make the most of every opportunity to overhaul Roman’s lead. Foster has been one of the most consistent riders all season, and his experience and skill will serve him well in this high-pressure situation.

Foster’s rides are Magical Mood (first race), Honour Prince (second race), Supremasi (third race), Shelly The Rocket (fourth race), Lucy in the Sky (fifth race), Lady Abhimala (sixth race), Stanislaus (eighth race), and Medal Award (ninth race).

Roman, on the other hand, has six rides, but the quality of his mounts is undeniable. He will partner the favourite Rideallday in the feature seventh Dye Job Trophy race, a horse that has been impressive in his debut win. A win in that race would not only boost Roman’s chances of claiming the championship but also give him a huge confidence boost.

Rideallday, a two-year-old American-bred grey/roan colt bred by Vekoma out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Song of Hours, slammed rivals by 6 ½ lengths in his debut run on December 7 over five and a half furlongs (1,100m). The Philip Feanny trainee won in a time of 1:06.1 without breaking sweat. His only danger is the fellow American-bred runner Unspun, who comes into this race seeking a hat-trick of wins.

The Restricted Stakes contest for native-bred and imported two-year-olds will venture over six furlongs (1,200m) at 3:50 pm.

Roman’s other rides on the day are Unruly Dude (first race), Khaleesi (second race), Oil Machine (fifth race), El Afortunado (sixth race), and Empressinthebreeze (ninth race). Roman originally had seven rides, but his mount Sea of Blue has been scratched from the fourth race.

As the two riders prepare for the final showdown, the tension is palpable. Both Roman and Foster know what is at stake, and they will be giving it their all to emerge victorious.

Will Roman hold his nerve and claim the championship, or can Foster pull off a stunning comeback? The answer will be revealed this Saturday, in what promises to be an unforgettable day of racing.

The crowd will be on the edge of their seats as these two talented riders go head-to-head in a battle for supremacy.

First post is at high noon.

— Ruddy Allen

Selections for the two rides on nine races on offer:

Race 1) Magical Mood (Tevin Foster)

Race 2) Honour Prince (Tevin Foster)

Race 3) Supremasi (Tevin Foster)

Race 4) Shelly the Rocket (Tevin Foster)

Race 5) Lucy in the Sky (Tevin Foster)

Race 6) Lady Abhimala (Tevin Foster)

Race 7) Rideallday (Raddesh Roman)

Race 8) Stanislaus (Tevin Foster)

Race 9) Empressinthebreeze (Raddesh Roman)