Jockeys' School trainees increased to 20

The list of 16 apprentice riders being trained at the Jockeys School since Monday, February 6 has been increased to 20, according to course coordinator, operations steward Desmond Riley.

Riley disclosed that certain observations were made by the school's management in the initial stages and a decision was taken to recommend the four standbys to the board of the JRC-run school.

Riley further explained that one of the original 16, Kemar Parchment, was dropped owing to weight problems. Hence, the first standby, Omar Simpson, was included in the batch.

Subsequently, Mark Griffiths, nephew of leading all-time jockey Winston Griffiths, was also given his chance, along with Ryan Nelson, Orlando Foster and the popular exercise rider Prince Holder, aka 'Daggerman'.

Opportunity

Holder, who stands a mere four feet tall, making him the shortest rider by far at Caymanas Park, said he was happy with the turn of events and will make full use of the opportunity to realise his dream of becoming a full-fledged jockey.

This batch is undergoing intensive training at the school for 24 weeks, the course ending in early August. The 20 riders will graduate in the latter part of August and begin riding as claiming apprentices shortly after.

For the month of February, they were taught basic riding. The school is located at the Caymanas Estates equestrian centre and polo ground in St Catherine.

- O.C.