Guyana horse racing mourns loss of respected trainer and farrier Carlton Pluck

Guyana’s horse racing community has been plunged into mourning following the tragic death of former Jumbo Jet Racing Stable assistant trainer and master farrier Carlton Albert Pluck, who passed away following an accident. Known widely across the local turf as “Blackmouth,” Pluck was a revered figure in the sport of kings, renowned for his encyclopaedic knowledge of Thoroughbreds and an unwavering dedication to equine welfare. News of his sudden passing prompted a wave of tributes across the country’s racing yards, with Jumbo Jet Racing Stable leading the honours for a man whose life was firmly anchored to the stable floor. In a poignant statement, Jumbo Jet Racing Stable paid tribute to a true horseman whose impact reached far beyond their own barn doors, describing his loss as one that leaves an irreplaceable void across the entire Guyanese fraternity. “It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of one of our own, Albert Pluck, better known to all of us as ‘Blackmouth,'” the stable noted. “Today is not only a sad day for the Jumbo Jet Racing Stable, but for the entire horse racing fraternity in Guyana. We have lost our Assistant Trainer and Farrier, but more than that, we have lost a true horseman whose life revolved around Thoroughbreds.” Pluck was celebrated as one of the unsung heroes of the sport, the type of backroom stalwarts who quietly shape race-day success long before the grandstands fill. Known for working from the small hours of the morning until late into the evening, his commitment was born purely out of a deep affection for the animals in his care. “Albert dedicated his life to this sport with love, pride, commitment and passion second to none,” the tribute continued. “He was the type of person who never looked at the clock. If there was a horse that needed attention, Albert was there. It was never about the money for him. His greatest reward was simply being around horses. He lived for them; he breathed this industry.” His expertise in equine soundness made him one of the most sought-after farriers in the region. Having spent time working in North America alongside top equine veterinarians and master farriers, Pluck brought valuable international knowledge back to Guyana, modernising local practices in shoeing, hoof care, and race preparation. Rather than keeping that expertise to himself, Pluck was revered as a generous mentor who freely advised competing trainers, owners, and young stable hands across the country, quietly contributing to hundreds of victories over several decades. “People often see the horses, the jockeys and the trophies,” Jumbo Jet Racing Stable added. “They rarely see the men working behind the scenes before sunrise and long after the races are over. Albert was one of those men. A quiet professional whose dedication helped make this sport what it is today.” As the Guyanese turf community comes to terms with the loss, condolences have poured in for Pluck’s family and friends from stable yards across the region. “Your passion, your knowledge, your dedication and your legacy will forever live on.” (Press Release)