Jockey Rayan Wilson, who has been in really good form this season, has set his sights on finishing in the top half of the jockeys’ table.

“My focus right now is to try and make it into the top five riders. I want to reach a target that I have set for myself and that is to ride a minimum of 30 winners. I am riding with a lot more confidence, so I know that I can accomplish that goal,” Wilson said.

“Once you are riding with confidence, you can win a lot of races. Hard work and dedication can also make a difference in winning races, once you are committed to doing so and I am committed. I am also working towards winning one of those prestigious races as well,” he added.

At present, the man popularly known to racing fans as ‘Butter Man,’ is in eighth place in the jockeys’ standing with three winners, which is four behind leader Jevvanne Erwin.

“I have started the year well and I am happy to be in the top 10. My task is to keep the momentum going as I want to achieve my goal,” said the 28-year-old.

Wilson explained that while he is not attached to any one stable, securing the rides is one thing, but winning the races is another. He also said that he has some concerns about his weight.

“I am not riding for any one trainer, as most top trainers already have their stable jockeys. I ride for everyone and when I get the rides, I ride to win.

“But I have a weight issue, hence I don’t get certain horses to ride. I weigh around 112 to 116 pounds which I want to get down to around 109 pounds,” he pointed out.

Wilson, who graduated from the Bridgeport High School in Portmore, St Catherine and came straight into racing, praised the contribution made to his pigskin progress by trainer Gordon Lewis and jockey Omar Walker. “Lewis has always been there for me, no matter what. His support has been helpful in making me, a better person while Walker is a very cool person to be around; he encourages me a lot,” Wilson ended.