What They Say: Hubert Bartley – Jockey
When did you start your career as a jockey?
My career as a jockey started in 1981. I was first introduced to the sport by Kenroy Leiba, who was my neighbour at the time. We would have regular talks about horse racing and one day he told me that I should become a jockey and so I went to Caymanas Park and my interest in the sport grew. I was also around Victor Rodriquez as well, and then I became a jockey.
Which horse was your first winner?
My first winner was aboard Bold Venture. Bold Venture was a nice horse and I rode him off the trainer’s instructions and we actually won the race, I was really happy and excited that day. I must thank trainer Ren Gonzalves (now deceased) for the ride as he believed that I could get the job done.
Which horse was your longest odds winner?
I have ridden so many winners that I can’t quite remember the longest odds that I won at, but I knew that I won aboard the Patrick Chang-trained The Best Man, which paid just over $300 to win.
Which is the best horse you have ridden?
Without a doubt, Poorlittlerichgirl is the best horse that I have ridden. I won so many big races on Poorlittlerichgirl as she was an exceptional racehorse and I was just merely a pilot on her in most of her races. In 1991, when she was a three-year-old, we had a good Classic season, winning the Oaks, Derby and St Leger.
Which is the best horse you have seen race at Caymanas Park?
Aliguin, Sheer Joy and Legal Light, to me those horses are the best that I seen race at Caymanas Park. In those time they would carry like 133 pounds or more and still dismantled any field over any distance.
Who influenced your career the most?
Since I started my career as a jockey everyone has treated me well. But I have always admired overseas jockeys like Angel Cardero, he can ride, and there is Andrew Ramgeet who is a very accomplished rider as well as George HoSang. I can remember one day when HoSang came here to teach us at the school and he said to us that when you are on a horse that is going slow, you should practice everything on him; riding skills, and technique and when you are on a horse that is moving fast you would know exactly what to do as you would already have your technique and skills locked.