Melissa lands crushing blow

JAMAICA’S HORSE-RACING breeding industry was dealt a crushing blow by Hurricane Melissa, the powerful storm exacting what appears to be the near decimation of Trelawny’s iconic Orange Valley Estates Limited.

The Instagram page of the many-time champion breeder, operated by Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association Director Alec Henderson, and wife Jacqui, yesterday posted a GoFundMe account (gofund.me/jacqui-wine-29oct) captioned ‘Hurricane Melissa - Orange Valley, Trelawny, Our Reality’.

Instagram posts showed a flattened landscape with giant trees uprooted and roofs torn from the main building and other structures at the vast property, located on the border of Trelawny and St James.

Other posts showed members of the Henderson family being airlifted by Daryl Vaz, minister of science, energy, telecommunications and transport.

Vaz is a registered racehorse owner whose Action Ann, named for his wife Ann-Marie’s political moniker, won the 2021 Hotline Stakes for three-year-old fillies.

“Thank you to the incredible @darylvazmp for personally coming in to airlift us and the kids from @orangevalleyestateslimited. We’re beyond grateful for your help and swift action,” the caption read from a post showing Vaz striding in an open field with a burgundy helicopter in the background.

As the helicopter ascended, the devastation became even clearer, a video depicting incalculable millions in damage at the property which once housed iconic stallions such as Zaleucus, who sired the winners of more than 1,000 races.

Orange Valley Estates, a former slave plantation dating back to 1678, has been owned by the Henderson family since 1955. Operated by Ian Henderson, the property became a stud farm in 1961 under the management of Calvin O’Sullivan, who was succeeded by Ian’s son, Alec, and wife Jacqui in 1991.

Champions such as 1972 Guineas winner, Piccolo Pete; Jamaica Derby winners Titania (1974), and Zell (1978) were all bred at Orange Valley Estates under the management of O’Sullivan.

After O’Sullivan’s death in 1987, Orange Valley Estates’ The Peacemaker sired The Viceroy, the 1989 Triple Crown winner, the last horse to win the St Leger at 14 furlongs.

In its heyday, Orange Valley, a 21-time champion breeder, won 16 titles in 22 seasons from 1965 to 1986.

The Hendersons could not be reached for comment at press time.