When did you start your career as a jockey?

Well, I was born into racing and it was therefore natural for me to seek a career in the horse racing industry. Racing is really a family tradition for me. My father Alvin Martin was a trainer and my brother Delroy Martin was a jockey. I had a stable in my yard and I can truly state that I actually recognised a horse before I recognised a dog. At age 15, after I graduated from Jamaica College, I made the progression to horse racing, but it was my plan from age nine to become a jockey. I eventually got my jockey’s licence in 2006 and today I am still in the profession that I love so much.

Which horse was your first winning ride?

My first winning mount was actually My Pal Don who was unfortunately disqualified, but my first official winner was Wee Glitz for trainer Margaret Parchment. To lose a race via the disqualification route is not a good feeling, but eventually the official winner came and I was a very happy camper. I will always remember the day when I rode my first winner then was disqualified, and later my first official winner. The memories of those two events are still vivid.

Which horse was your longest odds winner?

Black River at odds of 77-1 was my longest odds winner, but let me state that a winner is a winner no matter the odds. 

Who is the best horse that you have ridden?

Hombre , trained by Noel Ennevor, and everyone in racing knows why, because it was on Hombre that I won the Superstakes. What a race that was! From wire to wire it was Hombre and myself. A really good and tough racehorse. But for me on paper, it is Miracle Man. I won on Miracle Man and was the only apprentice to ride him in an official race. Of course, Miracle Man went on to win a big race in Puerto Rico and he also won many other big races here in Jamaica, including the Superstakes. Miracle Man was a champion and was very difficult to beat.

Best horse you have seen race at Caymanas Park?

I’ve really seen some good ones that included A King Is Born,Miracle Man, War Zone, Eros and many, many others. The choice for me is not an easy one, so I will just say Caymanas Park and racing fans have benefited from the presence of some really good thoroughbreds, and hopefully will continue to do so.

Who influenced your career most?

Well, Charles Hussey is on top of the list. He was my idol as a jockey while growing up, and Hussey was also a Jamaica College graduate. After I got to better understand the very difficult and uncertain business that is horse racing, now champion jockey Shane Ellis was the one who gave me a lot of insight and advice and he is therefore one who has influenced my career quite a bit. I like Ellis’s professionalism along with that of Winston Griffiths. Griffiths is a gentleman and his conduct even to this day continues to influence me quite a bit. Griffiths is quite a rider who has made a name for himself and he has helped to inspire me along with Ellis to become a better rider. Then there are my family members and friends who have also assisted. To them all, I say thanks and I am most appreciative.