Bruce

The tragic death of popular trainer Donovan Bruce on Friday was the hot topic at Caymanas Park yesterday, as racing officials and punters alike reacted to his death.

Bruce, popularly called 'Issues', was shot and killed by a lone gunman within the confines of his stable on the Caymanas compound shortly after 5 p.m.

According to reports, Bruce, 44, was shot in the head three times and also in the abdomen by the gunman, who scaled the fence to gain access to his stable, escaping via the same route.

Fellow trainer Tony Kirlew assisted the fallen horseman. Bruce was rushed to the Spanish Town Hospital, where he died at approximately 10:50 p.m. while undergoing surgery.

career

Bruce, who hails from west Kingston, started training in 2001 and posted his first winner, FOREST FRESH, on May 8, 2002.

He saddled a total of 43 winners up to the time of his death, the most recent AVALANCHE on November 1, 2008.

His best-known horse was the speedy overnight allowance campaigner DOUBLE BOW, who chalked up six wins for the trainer between December 2005 to 2007.

Having lost most of the horses in the past year, Bruce was winless this season, but AVALANCHE, which he also owned, showed positive signs signs on the previous Saturday when finishing third to BADJEROS ROSE in the second race over 1200 metres.

Rumours were rife at Caymanas Park yesterday, some claiming to be in the know, making a connection between that race and his death.

Reacting to his passing, Jamaica Racehorse Association president Vin Edwards, said Bruce was an outspoken but jovial character who at one time headed the Trainers' Room Committee and worked closely with the association.

"I am saddened by his death and extend condolences on behalf of the association to his family ... he will be sadly missed," said Edwards.

untimely death

Condolences also came from Caymanas Track Limited, Jamaica Racehorse Owners' Association president Laurence Heffes, as well as Howard Hamilton, president of the Thoroughbred Owners' and Breeders' Association (TOBA).

Hamilton said: "I was with Donovan Bruce on Thursday and in his usual style discussed horses with me. He was always in search of the big gamble and it came as a shock to me to hear of his untimely death.

"I remain extremely concerned that the track cannot be properly secured. Who will be the next victim?"

Bruce was the second trainer to have died by the gun on the Caymanas compound since 2004. On Saturday, February 7 that year, trainer Howard Phillipps was slain by a lone gunman at his stable shortly before the first race at noon.

Meanwhile, on a day when title-chasing jockey Paul 'Country' Francis rode three winners, the 2-y-o debutante CLASSY PROSPECT romped the Royal Lancaster Trophy race over the round five course with Shane Ellis riding for champion trainer Wayne DaCosta.