THE horse racing community in Guyana is in mourning after the tragic death of 18-year-old jockey Kishawn Pereira, who fell from his mount in a race at the Guyana Cup on Sunday.
The incident occurred in the penultimate H-Class Open, which was won by Trinidad’s Emotional Damage of PHVH Racing Stables.

Pereira was riding ‘Blinding Lights’ and was reportedly well-placed in third when the horse stumbled, sending the jockey heavily to the ground. He was rushed to the hospital by on-site paramedics but sadly did not survive his injuries.

The Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee confirmed the tragic news, stating that while the circumstances are under review, the day’s early-morning showers may have left soft, unseen spots on the track.

In a statement, they described Pereira as a “talented young rider with a bright future” and affirmed their commitment to working with all stakeholders to ensure the safety of the sport.
In the day’s main event, the Guyana Cup, Dataman of Master Z Racing Stables sealed victory in a dramatic finish under the floodlights at Rising Sun Turf Club. The one-mile race carried a top prize of $20 million.

Dataman crossed the finish line ahead of Anthem King, with Ritorna Vincentori and Stat finishing third and fourth, respectively.
The day’s events, which started delayed due to the rain, saw several other notable results. Three D Movie claimed the J/K/L Maidens for J’s Racing, which had a dominant day with four total wins.

In the First Time Starter, Top Gun came away with the win, while American Traveller took the honours in the fourth race ahead of the ill-fated ‘Blinding Lights’. Nice Time won the Juvenile Stakes, and in the Sprint Classic, Regal Man was supreme, beating favourite John Bull.

J’s Racing Stables also celebrated victory in the Derby, with Spank Me taking a commanding win.