Najair VETERAN jockey Vassell "Jollyman" Najair was banned for a year by the Jamaica Racing Commission for verbally abusing the Stewards at Caymanas Park on New Year's Day, this following the disqualification of his mount SANDBAGGER in the second race for $100,000 claimers.
The jockey was also fined $150,000 at the hearing last Thursday at the Winchester Road offices of the Jamaica Racing Commission. This is to be paid in three installments, the first within 90 days, the second within six months and the third and final payment within six months after that. He is ineligible to ride during the period of time before the first payment is made.
The Commission, after hearing all the evidence and hearing from Dr. Leachim Semaj, Consulting Psychologist and Attorney-at-law Jeffrey Mordecai who made submissions on Najair's behalf, also ruled that Najair see Dr. Semaj for three months after which period a report is to be forwarded to the Commission. At the end of the year a progress report is to be submitted by the consultant psychologist.
In addition, the Commission ruled that Najair should attend Stewards' meetings held on Tuesday mornings for a period of three months. "Jolly" was reported to the Commission under Section 25 of the JRC Act.
According to the report, the jockey stormed into the Stewards' Room in an angry manner shouting expletives that his mount should not have been disqualified. During the process he slammed his helmet on a table, smashed a drinking glass and hurled expletives at Desmond Riley, the chairman of the Stewards' panel.
Significantly, Najair was banned for five years following a similar offence in December, 1994. Back then he flung his helmet at the said steward (Riley) when summoned by the officials but his sentence was later reduced to two years.
When Najair returned to the saddle in January, 1997, he said in an interview with this reporter:
"I'm older and wiser now. At this stage I can ill-afford to fly off the handle. I'm really focused now. Just watch me".
On his second day in the saddle, he proceeded to ride a triple - SCHOENBRONN, WILD FUN and DADDY'S MONEY from 10 rides in as many races on the card.
At age 48, he's back in hot water. He was told that this was his last chance by the officials.
Najair was also suspended for five years in 1989 for his failure to ride RHYTHMIA on its merit and some 20 years ago, received an earlier suspension following an altercation with jockey Winston Ford during which a machete was brought into play.
