Fmr GHRA president calls for improvements in Guyana racing after fatal incident

In light of the recent tragedy at the Rising Sun Turf Club which claimed the life of 19-year-old jockey Kishawn Pereira, businessman and former president of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA), Poonai Bhigrog, has called for urgent improvements in Guyana’s horse racing sector.
“We extend our sincere condolences to Kishawn Pereira and his family. I guess he is in a better place,” Bhigrog said at the wake, which was held at the Port Mourant Turf Club in honour of the young jockey.
“I asked that with the death of this young man, I hope we can have some changes in the racing arena. With the legislation passed a few months ago, now is the ideal time to start working on this legislation and put things in place. We all know there are challenges in the racing industry, and with the legislation, we can get better. Let this be the cause for us to improve and get better in the racing fraternity,” the businessman said.

Pereira, a promising jockey from Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, was riding Blinding Light in the H Class race over seven furlongs when the horse slipped and fell. He was thrown to the ground and fatally struck by another horse, American Traveller, which was trailing close behind.
Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh also attended the wake, where he conveyed condolences on behalf of the government and people of Guyana, expressing his and the nation’s deepest sympathies for the loss. “May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Dr. Singh stated.
The tragedy occurred during the Guyana Cup, staged at the Rising Sun Turf Club. Nearly a week later, the organisers – the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee – have yet to issue a statement.