ST. CROIX — Successful Virgin Islands jockey Euclyn “Pede” Prentice Jr., making big moves on the U.S. mainland in the horse racing arena with well over 200 wins under his belt, has died following injuries sustained during a car accident. The tragic news quickly spread on social media after Mr. Prentice’s brother confirmed the passing in a post on Facebook. He was 28.
Mr. Prentice is believed to have died from internal bleeding in the early hours of Monday morning. The accident occurred in Kentucky. The news has shocked Virgin Islanders both at home and abroad, and many have been expressing well wishes and condolences to the family, as well as sharing fond memories of Mr. Prentice.
Mr. Prentice’s brother, D’Quan Prentice, shared a few heartfelt words, assuring that his brother’s memory would never be lost.
Others shared how much of a loss Mr. Prentice’s death is for the Virgin Islands, being a star whose many wins have helped place the territory on the map in the field of horse racing.
“Eastside going to feel this one mehson. Everybody was praying for your success. You were the prime example that it doesn’t matter where you come from, you can make it out the hood!!” said Ivor Chiverton.
He was seen as carrying the torch for the next generation of VI Jockeys. According to a post on VIGL Horse Racing’s Facebook page, Mr. Prentice “always knew he wanted to be a jockey” and got his start horseback riding in the ball field behind the John F. Kennedy housing community along with training at nearby beaches in Christiansted.
The post says as Mr. Prentice’s passion for riding horses grew, “he began exercising horses at the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack every morning.” After a year, Mr. Prentice knew that it was time to take his efforts to the professional arena. “Along his journey, he met his mentors and fellow Virgin Islands jockeys, Victor Lebron, Julio Felix, Kevin Krigger, and Kerwin John. With their guidance, his drive, and the entire Virgin Islands territory rooting for him, Pede’s success grew tremendously,” reads the post.
Mr. Prentice secured his first win in September 2015 at Kentucky’s Ellis Park. His next big win occurred in December 2015 at Turfway Park in Kentucky. By 2017, Mr. Prentice had gone on to win a number of races, and celebrated his 100th victory at the Belterra Park in Cincinnati that year. By August 2019, he had secured over 200 wins.
Mr. Prentice’s passing represents a big loss for the entire U.S. Virgin Islands. He was well on his way to finding success beyond what he’d already achieved. Mr. Prentice also came from humble beginnings, making his success in the horse racing world all the more encouraging for young Virgin Islanders dreaming of becoming star jockeys themselves.
Condolences and well wishes from leaders in the community are expected to pour in as the news of Mr. Prentice’s untimely passing spreads.
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