Trainer Robert Darby is certainly not the force he was in former years. Illness has curtailed his involvement in the sport he loves dearly – horse racing – but still he is able to sometimes conjure the magic which led him to be called the ‘Claiming King’ by his throng of loyal supporters at Caymanas Park.

When claiming was first introduced in the early 1990s, Darby saw his opportunity and embraced the system. He was then known for his astute choices and the winners poured in.

Then after ruling the roost for quite a while, illness crept in and a slow but necessary separation from the racetrack was evident. He recently stepped up his involvement and the loudspeakers at the track again started to blare the name of Darby. Not Ryan his son and now proven trainer, but Robert himself. “Horse X claimed by Robert Darby.” Many including this writer thought it was an illusion: Was Robert Darby really back? Was it really a case of “I have returned” for Robert Darby?

Yes, Robert Darby the ‘Claiming King’ had returned, but not with the same kind of splash as before and it didn’t take long for Darby to find himself in the winner’s enclosure.

Thus far in the present season, Darby has come home with three winners, Legendary Pleasure,Doc Holiday and the tour de force, Force De Jour, at the Overnight Allowance level, with the other two within the claiming ranks.

“Yes, I am getting some winners and that is always a good feeling,” Darby said while informing that at present he has only four horses in his shed row.

“I am limited at this time but God has been good and it’s still a very nice feeling to make that walk to the winner’s enclosure. A very enjoyable walk,” he shared with the Complete Racing Guide.

He was particularly pleased with the victory of Force De Jour.

“This is a horse who has his problems. He is never on the racetrack exercising and even the pool is not sufficient for him.

“He (Force De Jour) spends a lot of time at sea, that is where his preparation takes place.

“I have been patient with him (Force De Jour) and he did himself proud on Sunday last beating some very good horses. It was a proud moment for me,” the trainer said.

As to the future, Darby is still upbeat, revealing that: “I will continue to be around horses in a limited capacity, as apart from my family, I really love and enjoy the sport of horse racing. I cannot predict the future and I am very conscious of my present situation. I am forever grateful to especially my immediate family for the love, care and time they have showered on me during difficult times. That alone is like winning a Derby.”