When did you start your career as a trainer?

I started my career as a trainer in 1979 but I was involved in racing from age 16. I was introduced to the sport by my nephew Colin. We rode our bicycles from Kingston along Spanish Town Road, went by Ferry and then we crossed a ford at White Marl every Saturday. We had to take off our shoes when crossing the ford as there was no bridge there at the time. My Saturdays were now booked and I became hooked to horse racing. I saw horses such as Rumpelstiltskin, Kandahar, Lamour and Rameses. Trainer Harold Clemetson, who was a family friend, had stalls at the track so I would visit him to see how grooming and training of horses were done. When I was 19, my brother Emanuel (now deceased), Colin and I bought our first horse, Mack The Milk, and whenever he made a disappointing run we would call him Mack The Mule. That was 47 years ago. I then became an assistant trainer to Clemetson before I got my licence in 1979.

Which horse was your first winner?

The first race I won as a trainer was with a two-year-old named Fairy Chant ridden by Sammy Heslop in 1979. Heslop rode a perfect race that day and I was very happy with the win.

Which horse was your longest odds winner?

My longest odds winner was a bay gelding named Quickie at odds of 17-1. Quickie was a winner of 14 races and at one point was named Claimer of the Year.

Which is the best horse that you have trained?

Explosive Peak, with 13 career wins is the best horse I’ve trained so far. She was a fast horse who always gave of her best.

Which is the best horse that you have seen race at Caymanas Park?

In my opinion Prince Consort. Prince Consort was always consistent and he won his races very impressively despite carrying top weight.

Who influenced your career the most?

Well everyone has been good to me over the years. I want to single out Clemetson for taking me under his wings and showing me the way. I also want to thank my wife Elaine for always being there for me.