2026 jockey title race tightens as Roman and Suckoo return

THE race for the 2026 jockey championship title just got a major shake-up with the return of two-time defending champion Raddesh Roman and top apprentice Tajay Suckoo. Both are set to ride this Saturday at Caymanas Park after coming off injury setbacks and their comeback puts the title race back in play. Tevin Foster made the most of their absence and surged to the lead in the standing.

Roman is right on his heels with 59 wins. Suckoo is in third on 45 wins and will be looking to make up ground now that he’s back in the saddle. With 28 racedays left in the season, three wins is nothing.

One good Saturday and Roman could be back on top. One cold streak and Foster could run away with it. The championship race is officially back on.

Roman’s absence had stemmed from a dramatic incident on Saturday, July 25, 2026, during the running of the afternoon’s second race. Aboard Midnight Galaxy, the champion was unseated in a split-second chain reaction that also involved fellow riders Demar Williams on Ruby’s Light and Tyrese Anderson on Bubblingbrownsugar. Groom Leon Sukoo leads his charge Salute The Don (Raddesh Roman) into the winners’ enclosure after winning the Jamaica 2000 Guineas Classic on Sunday, June 7, 2026.

(Photo: Garfield Robinson) Following comprehensive X-rays and medical evaluations, doctors confirmed that Roman escaped without any broken bones, though he continued to nurse shoulder pain and was advised to rest at home to avoid premature strain. For Suckoo, the setback occurred on Thursday, August 6, 2026, during the third race of the day. While turning for home aboard Badbadtanesha, Suckoo suffered a hard fall and was immediately rushed to the hospital.

Subsequent medical examinations revealed no fractures, but doctors diagnosed him with a concussion, prompting the medical team to keep him under close observation to monitor his progress. Based on the final programme, both Roman and Suckoo have secured seven rides each on the 10-race card. Roman will ride Another Mission for trainer Oral Hayden in the third race, Dashallday for trainer Anthony Nunes in the fourth race, Laban for trainer Paul Hylton in the fifth race, Melba’s Choice for trainer Saqlain Roman in the sixth race, I’m Outstanding for trainer Louis Richards in the eighth race, Bob The Builder for trainer Adrian Prince in the ninth race, and Prince Amaan also for…