(Jamaica Gleaner) Horse racing lost one of its most popular trainers at Caymanas Park yesterday when 48-year-old Tony Kirlew was shot and killed by gunmen outside his brother’s stable at approximately 9:30 a.m.
Police reports indicate that Kirlew was standing outside the stable (57) drinking a coconut with his brother Lorne Kirlew nearby, when he was approached by two gunmen on foot. Two shots were fired at close range, one hitting Kirlew in the mouth.
He died on the spot, near his parked BMW motor vehicle. His brother, however, escaped unhurt.
Police from the St Catherine Major Investigation Task Force were quickly on the scene and the area was soon cordoned off.
No motive was established for the killing, which put a damper on the entire stable area. The police say investigations are in progress and they could make a breakthrough soon.
Significantly, Kirlew’s slaying occurred only metres away from where two other trainers – Howard Phillipps and Donovan Bruce – were shot and killed by gunmen in similar circumstances. Phillipps died within the confines of his stable shortly before the first race on Saturday, February 7, 2004 after he was shot by a lone gunman. And Bruce was also killed by a lone gunman on the evening of Friday, November 6, 2009 at his stable.
Lorne, the younger brother of the deceased trainer, said they were very close and he was shocked at Tony’s tragic passing. He is survived by a wife and five children.
STARTED IN 1992
A second-generation trainer who followed in the footsteps of his late father Dennis Kirlew, Tony started training in 1992 and saddled his first winner, LA CHANCE, shortly after.
At the time of his death, he had posted close to 200 winners, including LADY HASTINGS, DETERMINED CHASE, PRINCESS AMOYA, PRINCESS ALEXANDRA, WEST-ERN GENIUS, PLEASURE CRUISE and the best of them all, the outstanding American-bred colt MISMYRTLEBOYRICHIE.
When Kirlew left the island late last year for a stint in the United States, MISMRTYLEBOYRICHIE was transferred to his brother. Tony returned to the island some months ago, but had not resumed active training at the time of his death.
The heads of both trainers associations, Vin Edwards and Richie Todd, have expressed shock and outrage at the news of Kirlew’s passing and, along with Caymanas Track Limited, extended condolences to his family.
