AFTER riding three winners in the first two race meets of the 2019 racing season at Caymanas Park, jockey Javaniel Patterson is expecting a bright and productive year.

Patterson opened the programme on New Year’s Day aboard Lici’s Pepsi for trainer Patrick Fong in the 6 ½-furlong (1,300m) New Year’s Day Trophy and then completed a double when winning on Foot Soldier in the McKay Security Limited Trophy over 9 furlongs and 25 yards.

“Winning this first race aboard Lici’s Pepsi was an encouraging start for me. This horse knows me well and also runs well for me. Bearing that in mind, I presented myself to the trainer as the best person to get the job done and the ride came my way and I told the trainer from that she was going to win today (Saturday) and, so she did,” Patterson told the Supreme Racing Guide.

Patterson then won his third race last Saturday (January 5) when he guided home the Ryan Darby-trained Portugal to a mild 5-1 upset in the fifth race, a maiden condition event for native-bred five-year-olds and upward going 5 furlongs (1,000m) on the round course.

Patterson, who had finished in ninth position in the jockey’s championship last season, said that with the new year starting well for him he would like to finish in the top five position in 2019 or even challenge for the jockeys’ championship title once it comes his way.

He also said that he has been making steady progress in his race riding development and this year he wants to show improvement with winning more races.

“Yes, I just finished in the top 10, but this year the aim is to try and move into the top five and if I get the chance, to even be riding for championship honours. Trainers are always on the lookout for capable riders to get their horses across the line to win races and the most capable riders are the ones who will always get the nod. I am therefore gearing to improve my status to receive consideration from among all trainers,” he said.

Patterson knows very well that success only comes with hard work and discipline.

“My preparation is about working hard both mentally and physically. The idea to be fit physically is quite a good foundation on which to launch a successful career but, as I see it, to get to the top of this profession and prosper, it will take much more than being mentally and physically prepared as it is dependability overall that counts,” he reasoned.

He believes that: “Not knowing your subject and how to function efficiently around it could be a major let-down for success. So too is not listening and paying attention to critical details in racing. Careless errors can cost you races and even probably your career. Top-end riders seldom make simple mistakes and, even if they do, it shouldn’t be often or they will be dumped,” Patterson concluded.