The current batch of 20 apprentice riders are now full-fledged jockeys after completing their two-year period of apprenticeship during which they were allowed to claim weight, usually referred to in racing as the ‘bug’ starting at four kilogrammes. Following the initial four-kilogramme reduction, the claiming weight got lower depending on the number of winners ridden. Twelve of the 20 young riders were still riding with claims when the apprenticeship period ended.

Shamaree Muir is the leader in terms of winners among the batch who began their careers on September 8, 2012. Muir has so far ridden 122 winners – 53 winners more than second-place O’Brien White with 69 winners. Muir’s achievements included victories on Perfect Neighbour in the Grade One Governor General’s Stakes and Harry Jackson Memorial Trophy last year.

“Well, it is really amazing to win 100 races. It is a great accomplishment for me as rider as it will really uplift my career,” Muir told the Complete Racing Guide.

After a poor start to his career, White surged to attention last year by riding 45 winners to finish joint third in the jockeys’ championship with Shane Ellis and was crowned champion apprentice. Ruja Lahoe (54) and Orlando Foster (54) occupy third and fourth positions on the apprentice winners’ list.

Prince Holder (50) is experiencing a tremendous loss of form as the winners have been few and far between while his confidence is suffering immensely. Holder became a crowd favourite with his robust style of riding which earned him the nickname ‘Daggerman’. The winners were coming thick and fast and then suddenly a drought intervened midway last season, and since then he has been finding it difficult to recapture his once prominent role among his peers. Holder was voted most improved rider in 2013.

Of the others, Kuri Powell (44), Renardo McNaughton (40) and Romario Saunders (38) started well but have dropped off quite significantly.

Orayne Sewell (29), Davidan Robinson (24), Sadiki Blake (22), Jemar Jackson (18), Omar Simpson (13) and Marc Griffiths (13) are holding their own.

Ryan Nelson (nine), Rajiv Chatrie (five), Zac Meikle (three), Holando Butler (two) and Damion Brown (one) are really finding it hard to find the winner’s enclosure.

Kareem Richardson-Garvey is the only one among the group of 20 yet to ride a winner.