CHARLES Hussey, the many-time champion jockey and Classic winner well known for his over 70 per cent winning record when riding down the five straight course, began a new career as a raceday steward over the last two race programmes.

Hussey could be seen dapperly dressed in his suit, in the stewards’ room near to the North Lounge watching the races on offer and interacting with the established stewards of the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC). The chairman of the JRC, Linton Walters, had announced early in 2012 when he was appointed to the Commission, that efforts would be made to diversity the composition of the raceday stewards by including a former professional rider.

Hussey explained to the Complete Racing Guide that at the moment he was understudying the regular raceday stewards.

“Yes, I can confirm that I have started the process of becoming a raceday steward by observing the present stewards and by ensuring that I am up to date with the rules and regulations of racing,” Hussey said.

The former champion jockey further stated that it is his hope that his over 30 years as a professional rider will hold him in good stead during his performance as a raceday steward.

“I have been riding since I was in my teens, I have overseas experience and with the administrative training I am now doing, I am sure I can be of great assistance to the racing process. I certainly will be trying my very best as I am very comfortable with my new dispensation,” Hussey said.

The Complete Racing Guide further understands that another person is also to be trained as a raceday steward along with Hussey.