Jumbo Jet Events launches Jockey Academy in tribute to Kishawn Pereira

Jumbo Jet Events, one of Guyana’s leading promoters of Thoroughbred racing, has announced the launch of the country’s first-ever Jockey Academy.
Based at the Bush Lot United Turf Club, this landmark initiative will serve as the foundation of a broader Horsemen’s School designed to provide training across every aspect of the equine industry.
The academy honours the late jockey Kishawn Pereira, whose tragic passing highlighted the urgent need for improved safety, discipline, and education in the sport.
“His passing has underscored the urgent need for greater emphasis on safety, discipline and education in the sport. By launching this academy, the industry is turning tragedy into legacy,” Jumbo Jet Events said in an official statement.
Far more than riding lessons, the academy seeks to professionalise horse racing in Guyana and create a self-sustaining industry. Its impact will extend beyond jockeys to include trainers, grooms, farriers, owners, breeders, and the wider community.
A central focus is safety, with courses emphasising the use of protective gear, safe handling, and emergency protocols to protect both jockeys and horses. Under the guidance of renowned trainer Robert Pierce, who brings global expertise, jockeys will also receive instruction in race strategy, fitness, mental preparation, and discipline to compete at the international level.

Recognizing the vital role of grooms, the programme will introduce structured training in nutrition, daily care, stable management, and disease prevention to improve the health and performance of Guyana’s Thoroughbred stock. Farrier training will address hoof care and injury prevention, reducing race-day scratches and extending horses’ competitive careers.
Aspiring trainers will study conditioning, nutrition, veterinary basics, and campaign planning, while future programmes will expand into breeding, rehabilitation, bloodstock management, and racing administration. All courses will highlight physical fitness and weight management.
The academy – funded by Jumbo Jet Events alongside Kris Jagdeo Racing Stable, Slingerz Racing Stable, and J’s Racing Stable – aims to generate sustainable jobs and foster growth within Guyana’s racing community. With the nation’s booming oil economy, the initiative positions horse racing for a major transformation.
Crucially, Guyana now becomes the first Caribbean and South American nation to establish a dedicated horsemen’s school, offering opportunities for local talent while preparing them for global recognition. Plans are already in motion to collaborate with regional and international racing bodies to develop certification programmes that can open doors worldwide.
“The launch of the Jockey Academy is not just a project; it is a promise. A promise that the life of the late jockey will be remembered not with silence, but with opportunity. A promise that future generations will ride, train, and care for horses with skill, respect, and professionalism. And a promise that Guyana’s Sport of Kings will finally have the foundation it deserves” the statement concluded.
With this pioneering academy, Guyana takes a historic step toward transforming horse racing into a thriving, world-class industry.