Ainsley Walters, Freelance Writer

THE Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) faces a potentially embarrassing situation as allegations have been swirling around Caymanas Park that Patrick Henry Jr., who rode trainer Robert Darby's TASSY'S WHIP to victory on Saturday, March 3, did so with an expired jockeys? permit.

Lloyd Cobran, chief steward at the JRC, declined to confirm the incident but an appeal has since been lodged by jockey Paul Francis, who rode the runner-up in the event, trainer Neive Graham's WIND JAMMER.

"It is sub judice," Cobran said on Tuesday. "The matter is before the commission. After the hearing I will talk to you," he added.

Checks with Caymanas Track Limited's (CTL) racing office revealed that it is the responsibility of the JRC stewards on duty to ensure that all permits are valid before an overnight racing programme is made public.

According to reports, the matter came to light after Henry was overheard bragging of his exploit in the 1000-metre straight event for $240,000 claimers.

Francis got wind and lodged an appeal on Tuesday, March 6.

WIND JAMMER's connections are adamant they should be awarded the winning purse for the event.

However, should the JRC take that position at the end of its investigations, trainer Darby and his owner also have a case as it was the responsibility of the stewards to ensure that a licensed rider was aboard TASSY'S WHIP.

Should both parties succeed in their arguments, the possibility exists that two winning purses would have to be paid out.