Police launch murder hunt after well-known jockey gunned down outside home

Police in Jamaica have launched a murder hunt after a well known jockey was gunned down. Oneil Mullings, 49, had ridden three winners in the US but was best known on home soil where he had ridden 415 at Caymanas Park since graduating from the jockeys academy in 2002.

On Sunday police in St Andrew South, Kingston, reported that Mullings had died after being approached by a gunman and shot in the head. He was rush to hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

READ MORE: ‘Infamous’ racehorse banned from the track for refusing to run dies aged 21

READ MORE: Jockey who hit horse in face banned for six months for breaching reinstatement terms

Investigators named two brothers, who had reportedly carried out building work at the jockey's home, as persons of interest in the case.

The news has shocked the racing community in Jamaica with Supreme Ventures, owner of Caymanas Park, describing Mullings as a respected figure.

“His dedication and skill in the saddle made him a respected figure among his peers and in Jamaica’s racing community,” a statement said.

“We express our deepest sympathies to his family, colleagues in the racing fraternity, and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace.”

Philip Parchment, president of the Jamaica Jockeys’ Guild, was hearbroken by the death of a friend.

“From the time I got the news, it was the most devastating news that I have ever gotten in a while now,” he told the Jamaica Gleaner.

“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.”

He added: “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.”