When did you begin your career as a trainer?

This was either in 1983 or 1985. The exact date slips me at this moment. At Jamaica College, a group of guys wanted to start a horseback riding club and I was part of the idea. The guys were Michael Sirjue, Robert Spence, Charles Hussey, Percy Hussey, Richard Woolward, Richard Goldson and Clive Smith. Thereafter we got involved with horses through now many-time champion trainer Wayne DaCosta who took us to the track at Caymanas Park, and there and then I became involved with Wayne who was at the time the assistant trainer at the Philip Feanny Stables. When Wayne went on his own, I became the eminent trainer’s assistant and after that I then moved over to Wayne.

Which horse was your first winner and what was the feeling like?

My first winner was a horse by the name of Prowler and it was a wonderful feeling. Nothing at that moment could have matched that feeling on winning your first official race. This was the second race that I won with the same horse and that took my breath away. I used a jockey who did not win a race in 15 years, as I was so sure that the horse would have won, and for that I made quite a tidy sum.

Which horse was your longest odds winner?

Prowler was my longest odds winner. I really don’t remember the odds but he was my longest odds winner. In the end though the odds don’t matter, what matters is winning. A winner is a winner, so the odds don’t count, but I am always happy and excited about winning races.

Which is the best horse you’ve trained?

A horse by the name of Gargamel. This was a two-year-old who beat Restless Fury who went straight to ‘A’ Class. Restless Fury had already won two races and I used Gargamel to beat him in a cup race. That was a wonderful victory and one that I will always remember for a long time. Some things, some memories just don’t go away, they always stay with you, and Gargamel fits the bill.

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

I have seen quite a few, but I will say that Eros was the best horse I have seen race at Caymanas Park. Eros had his ailments but he could run at any distance and win. It shows how good he was as he has established numerous track records and having been so close to him made his achievements even more special. Eros was from the top drawer.

Who influenced your career the most?

Philip Feanny, and to a lesser extent Wayne DaCosta. Philip was the one who pointed me in the direction to become as knowledgeable a horseman as I could be. He taught me the rudiments of the sport and the main aspects of racing: going to the stud farms, selecting horses, schooling them and what to look for and pay most attention to. And, up to this day, his assistance has been most resourceful to me in carrying out my activity as a trainer. Wayne has also contributed hugely in a number of respects in my becoming a licensed trainer, but it was Philip who has apprised me in the major needs about the fundamentals of thoroughbred preparation and racing.

BY HURBUN WILLIAMS