Jockeys’ Guild president heartbroken over Mullings’ death
Published:Tuesday | September 23, 2025 | 12:08 AM
PRESIDENT OF the Jamaica Jockeys’ Guild, Phillip Parchment, says the untimely death of fellow veteran jockey Oneil Mullings has left him heartbroken, describing him as not only a colleague, but a very close friend.
“From the time I got the the news, it was the most devastating news that I have ever gotten in a while now. I don’t think I have the words to explain how I am feeling. I couldn’t even sleep, because I was very tormented and upset,” Parchment said.
Mullings, who has ridden 415 winners at Caymanas Park, was gunned down on Sunday in his St Andrew community.
According to police reports, the attack stemmed from a dispute. Two brothers have since been listed as persons of interest by the St Andrew South police.
Parchment and Mullings shared a long-standing bond, having both graduated from the jockeys’ training programme in 2002.
“Me and Mullings graduated in 2002 and I was very close to him. I, along with Mullings, Paul Francis, and Kerry-Gayle Robinson are the only jockeys from that batch that graduated in 2002 that are still active in Jamaica now, and we keep that close relationship as best as possible from 2002. Dane Nelson was also in that batch that graduated in 2002,” he added.
Parchment remembered Mullings as someone who could always lift the mood with his humour and lighthearted personality.
“Mullings was a very jovial person because he was always messing around with us and giving jokes, and he was just always coming with something to make us laugh, and so that is the type of person that he is.”
He noted that the loss has been felt beyond the jockeys’ room.
“The whole racing fraternity will miss him because it is not just the jockeys that are mourning, the trainers and grooms are also mourning, because this is very sad for all of us and we all are going to miss him.”
Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited, operator of Caymanas Park, also issued a statement offering condolences.
“His dedication and skill in the saddle made him a respected figure among his peers and in Jamaica’s racing community. We express our deepest sympathies to his family, colleagues in the racing fraternity, and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace,” the release read.