Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer

The seven starters break from the gates in front of the grandstand in last Saturday's circular nine feature for the Eric Dias Memorial Cup (claiming $290-$260) at Caymanas Park on Saturday. The winner, All Fired Up, came from the No.2 post position with Trevor Simpson up, while the horse rearing at left, is Council Man, with Leo Miller up. Council Man finished fifth. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

The Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) has enlisted the help of the police to assist with their investigation into the Cordite affair.

This was disclosed by the general manager of the JRC, Ruth Ann Smith-Sutherland, following a meeting with deputy commissioner of police, Mark Shields, at the Winchester Road offices of the Commission last Thursday.

Cordite became the subject of an investigation by the JRC back in June following two highly suspect performances on Saturday, May 6 and Tuesday, May 23 (Labour Day) when ridden by top jockeys Wesley Henry and Trevor Simpson, respectively, for trainer Steadman Curtis.

The six-year-old gelding was installed a howling 3-5 favourite on May 23, but was never a factor, finishing 43-1/2 lengths last in a 1500-metre race won by CAT LEGEND on a $240,000 claiming tag.

Significantly, CORDITE was claimed by trainer Dennis Lee out of that race and came back 18 days later on a $290,000 claiming tag to win the Sports Journalists of Jamaica Trophy race over 1200 metres by five lengths at 6-1 with Paul 'Country' Francis aboard.

Credible evidence

As part of their investigation, officials of the JRC have interviewed the jockeys, as well as trainer Steadman Curtis and also Dennis Lee, who, though not in danger of being implicated in anything, could give credible evidence as to the condition of CORDITE when he was claimed, according to a JRC source.

Smith-Sutherland had this to say.

"We invited the deputy commissioner Mark Shields for discussions to see how the police could assist and he was briefed by the commissioners, including the JRC chairman Rudolph Muir on the status and progress of the investigation.

"There was general agreement that the JRC would be working closely with the police in general not only on the Cordite investigation, but other cases as well."

Present were commissioners Muir, Hugh Levy, Derrick White, Walter Campbell, Dr. Michael Coore and Andrew Mighty, along with Smith-Sutherland and chief steward Lloyd Cobran, who is also director of racing at the JRC.

The investigation is continuing.