Last year was a very good one for the apprentices, who had their first full season of riding at the ‘Park’ and one that made an instant impact was the young Javaniel Patterson.

Patterson, who rode 44 winners from 372 mounts, was one of five apprentices to finish in the top 10 in the jockeys’ championship. The others were Bebeto Harvey, Linton Steadman, Dane Dawkins, and Hakeem Pottinger.

The 23-year-old Patterson finished second in the apprentice title race behind champion Harvey (63 wins) and tied for fourth spot with the then defending champion Shane Ellis in the senior championship. Omar Walker (68 winners) won the championship for the fifth time.

“Well, the season (2016) was a good one for me. It was a nice and a very accomplished one as well. It was great in terms of the winners and how I performed overall. It is just my first full season of riding and there is much more room for improvement,” Patterson said.

Patterson indicated that with the experience now under his belt, along with the confidence, he is looking forward to another good season, even a better one in 2017.

“This season you can expect better from me as I am riding with more confidence. I am getting much better in the saddle as a rider, as I have experienced and learnt a lot from the others jockeys.

“For this season my goal is to remain in the top five list of riders. I am riding well and so I know I can remain there. It is going to be hard work, but I am willing do it because this is what I do.

“The rides are not hard to come by because I am getting like sometimes eight mounts a race day, so that is not the problem. The real issue is that when I get those rides, I must now use that opportunity and bring home the winners,” explained Patterson.

Even though becoming a jockey was not his first choice of profession, Patterson believes it was the right road he took.

“Growing up I wanted to become a fireman, but other roads led me to Caymanas Park and today, as it stands, I feel like it was the right move I made. I don’t have any problems, I don’t have any regrets and I just want to thank everyone for their support,” ended Patterson.