In an exhilarating finish, apprentice jockey Tajay Suckoo etched his name in the record books, becoming the fifth graduate of the 2024 Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) Jockeys’ Training School to win a race.

Suckoo’s maiden victory came aboard Rapida, trained by Victor Williams, in the seventh race on Saturday, January 4, 2024.

Rapida, a four-year-old bay filly, proved her mettle in the $730,000 maiden condition race for native-bred four-year-olds and upward over 4 furlongs (800m). In a heart-stopping, driving finish, Rapida edged out Big Pop (Roshaune Lewis) by a mere nose, stopping the clock in a respectable 48.0 seconds (24.0 x 35.2).

The race unfolded with Big Pop taking the early lead, closely pursued by Ruby’s Light (Rotajmar Weir) and Rapida. As the field approached the dummy rails, Rapida began to gain momentum, assuming second position behind Big Pop. Inside the final furlong, Rapida launched a daring challenge, engaging Big Pop in a fierce battle for supremacy.

In a thrilling conclusion, Rapida managed to get her nose in front at the wire, securing a hard-fought victory.
Ruby’s Light finished third, rounding out the top three finishers.

—Ruddy Allen