When did you start your career as a jockey?

I was in racing from 1972 as my family was always involved in racing. I received my licence to ride in 1974 as a very young man.

Which horse was your first winner?

Wall Flower was my first winner. Winning my first race, I was extremely happy that day. It was a good feeling. Sydney Watson was the trainer. Up to this day I still remember that race first race win and will always cherish the moment. It was something else for me.

Which horse was your longest odds winner?

I don’t remember the odds, but it was the Howard McKenzie-trained Fiord that I won at the longest odds. It is always nice to win races but I really enjoyed that one as it was a well-deserved victory in the 1,000 Guineas in 1995. She was a nice horse and she really ran her heart out that day. Overall it was a very good win and being in a Classic race made it even better. A most treasured moment for me.

Which is the best horse you have ridden?

Without having to think, the best horse that I have ridden is Miracle Man, trained by Allan Williams. Even though we lost the 2,000 Guineas in 2005, Miracle Man came back and won the Derby, St Leger. We also won the Superstakes the same year and again the next year. We went abroad and won a Classic race which was very outstanding. He was a very nice and talented horse. Very good racehorse.

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

There have been some very talented and outstanding racehorses that raced here, but Eros is the best horse that I have seen race at Caymanas Park. Eros has the most track records at the Park; he won four Caribbean Sprint Championships from 1991 to 1994 and then won it again in 1996, which I thought was an exceptional performance. Eros won his races very impressively. A true champion in my book who had everything desired of a racehorse, and he was very well handled by trainer Philip Feanny.

Who influenced your career the most?

Since I am here everyone has been good to me and I thank them for their inputs. I give special mention of my family who are also well involved in horse racing.

PHOTO: MARAGH ALLEN APRIL 6

CAPTION – Allen Maragh