When did your start your career as a trainer?

My career as a trainer started in 1970. Before that I was a groom. I was around my father, James B Dawes who at that time was an owner at the Park and most times when he was away on other engagements he would leave me with the responsibility of taking care of his horses. With that experience and knowledge about the sport, becoming a trainer was never in doubt.

Which horse was your first winner?

I won my first race with a horse named Blue Relic with Everton Stone in the saddle. Unfortunately my horse was disqualified and the victory was awarded to Wiltz. The next time Blue Relic raced, he beat Wiltz again and this time the race wasn’t taken away. I was very happy as I was so anxious to get my first winner. The feeling was great and very lasting.

Which horse was your longest odds winner?

Plutos at 99-1 with jockey Durrant Nugent going over 1,200 metres. I was confident that my charge would get the job done even though the punters gave us no chance in the betting. Overall it was a good win.

Which is the best horse that you have trained?

The best horse that I have trained was Reca. Reca was a class act, winning races very impressively and easily without doing too much. Reca was very special to me.

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

The best horse that I have seen race at Caymanas Park was Element. One day Element was stuck into the starting gates in a race over 10 furlongs, he was then taken out of the gates and still went back into the race and won the event. Truly a fighter and a champion. Not taking anything away from any horse as there are many talented horses here at the Park but that performance by Element really stands out for me.

Who influenced your career the most?

Since I am in the racing industry everyone has been good to me and I thank them for it. But special thanks to my father who set the foundation for me. His support and guidance are the reasons for my accomplishments as a trainer in the racing industry.