JOCKEY Carlton ‘Frankie’ Frank was all set to make his debut at Caymanas Park last Saturday, but his mount was scratched at the start of the ninth race.

Frank fell from the Tensang Chung-trained Unbreakable just before the start of the race, and as a result the four-year-old chestnut gelding bruised the top of his left hind leg and was declared a late non-starter at the gates by the raceday veterinarian.

“It is not what I expected on debut, but it is just horse racing. The unexpected happens sometimes and you have to live with it. It is very disappointing, but look on the bright side, I am here,” the 51-year-old told the Complete Racing Guide.

“I will be here for the rest of the year so there will be more opportunities to ride in a race. At the end of the year, though, I will leave for the United States to continue my riding career,” he continued.

While his first ride was a scratch, Frank said the experience was invaluable.

“I am happy to be able to get that opportunity to ride. Even though I didn’t get to ride in a race, at least I went onto the track so the fans could see me. It was a good feeling,” said Frank, who got a rousing welcome when he entered the Parade Ring.

Frank admitted that he got turned down on 10 occasions trying to get into the racing school.

“I got rejected 10 times trying to become a jockey at Caymanas Park. The first time was in 1982, after which I went to Antigua and Barbuda and got my riding licence there in 1994. I didn’t ride any winners over there but I ran five seconds, three thirds and had four fourth-place finishes,” he said.

Frank, who is also licensed to ride in Barbados, said for now he is just happy to be here and he hopes that many more rides will follow.