The horse racing community in Guyana has been left devastated following the death of 18-year-old jockey Kishawn Pereira, who tragically lost his life during the 17th edition of the Guyana Cup at the Rising Sun Turf Club on Sunday, August 17, 2025.
The Fatal Accident
According to officials, Pereira suffered a fatal fall in the penultimate race of the day, just before the feature event. Eyewitnesses reported that the young jockey appeared to lose control as his mount stumbled, sending him crashing heavily onto the track.
Medical personnel stationed at the venue immediately rushed to his aid. The on-site paramedics and ambulance team quickly transported him to a nearby hospital. However, despite urgent treatment efforts, Pereira was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Official Response
The tragedy prompted a heartfelt statement from the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee, organizers of the Guyana Cup, who confirmed Pereira’s death and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of such a promising athlete.
“It is with deep sadness that we confirm the tragic passing of 18-year-old jockey, Kishawn Pereira, following an accident in Race 10, just before the feature event at today’s race meet. Despite the immediate response of our paramedics and ambulance team, he unfortunately did not survive,” the statement read.
The committee emphasized that this was the first fatal incident in the 17-year history of the Guyana Cup, a tournament that has grown into one of the country’s premier sporting events.
Officials also noted that light showers earlier in the day may have created unpredictable soft spots on the track, although the exact cause of the accident remains under review.
A Rising Star Gone Too Soon
Pereira, remembered as a talented and fearless rider, had quickly earned respect among trainers, fellow jockeys, and fans for his skill, discipline, and passion for the sport. Many within the horse racing fraternity had tipped him as one of the country’s brightest young prospects with a long and successful career ahead.
“This is a tremendous blow not just to his family, but to the entire horse racing community,” the committee added. “Kishawn was a rider with extraordinary potential, and his loss has left a void that can never truly be filled.”
Community Mourning
News of Pereira’s passing has triggered an outpouring of grief from across Guyana’s racing community and beyond. Fellow jockeys, trainers, and racing enthusiasts have taken to social media to share tributes, recalling his infectious energy, dedication, and love for horses.
At the Rising Sun Turf Club, where thousands had gathered for the Cup, the atmosphere quickly turned somber following the announcement. Several riders withdrew from the final feature race, while others participated in moments of silence and quiet reflection in honor of their fallen colleague.
Looking Ahead
The committee has pledged to review safety protocols in consultation with horsemen, racing officials, and safety experts to further safeguard participants in future events.
“We remain committed to ensuring that Guyana’s sport of kings continues to grow, while doing everything possible to protect the lives of the men and women who make it possible,” the statement concluded.
Remembering Kishawn Pereira
As family, friends, and the wider sporting community come to terms with the tragedy, Pereira is being remembered as more than just a jockey. To many, he was a symbol of youthful ambition, determination, and the unyielding love of a sport that has long been woven into Guyana’s cultural fabric.
His untimely passing marks not only the loss of a promising athlete but also a painful reminder of the risks inherent in horse racing. The memory of Kishawn Pereira’s courage and passion will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, and within the history of the Guyana Cup itself.