Banned top jock Thomas will ride St Leger Day

LEADING rider apprentice Anthony Thomas booted home two winners at Caymanas Park on Wednesday before going off on a staggered suspension, having appealed two of three bans imposed by the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) stewards.

Having appealed two of three instances of interference, representing three racemeets,Thomas, who won back-to-back races astride MILARGO and LADY JAELA in the seventh and eighth events, will sit out this Saturday's meet, but returns the following week, St Leger Day, before missing the August 1 Emancipation Day racemeet.

Thomas' agent, Coorie 'Papa' Grant, explained that the two-kilo claiming rider had applied to the JRC for permission to stagger the two-day ban incurred aboard CLEARLY OURS, allowing him to ride on St Leger Day.

"We are appealing the other two suspensions, DISABILITY CHARM  (two days) and UNCLE FRANK  (one day). We asked for a stay of those suspensions while the appeals are being heard, so we are awaiting to hear whether he will be able to ride after August 1st," Grant pointed out.

Thomas's double moved him further away from Shane Ellis, 19 winners clear, atop the jockeys' standings on 58 wins.

Meanwhile, Philip Feanny's LIGHTNING LILY soared past LUNAR ROCKET two and a half furlongs out to win the ninth at six and a half furlongs at odds of 3-1, partnered by Oneil Mullings.

Rowan Mathie shared honours with Steven Todd as the day's top trainers, each saddling two winners.

Todd had two winning favourites, CHIEF PROSPECT and MILARGO, in the third and seventh races, respectively.

Mathie struck with two outsiders, DEZZY THE GENIUS, a mild upsetter at 5-1 in the fourth and 16-1 stunner, AGNES T, in the 10th race.