Brian ‘Spuddy’ Rickman

Supreme Ventures Racing & Entertainment Commentator

Brian Rickman has been calling races at the Caymanas track for the past four decades, His journey in race commentary began in 1979.

Spuddy, as he is widely known, grew up on Eastwood Park Road in St Andrew, where he attended Robertson’s Preparatory then Calabar High School, Munro College and Decartet College in Manchester. Not long thereafter, he was discovered by Chris Armond, who placed him under starter’s orders and then an unexpected opportunity in the commentators box.

Fast forward years later, he is well known the world over in the realm of horse racing for his signature phrase “And they’re off”

Rickman is the father of son Bruce Paul 32, daughter Robyn Paige 36, and granddaughters Jaz Marie 13, and Iyla Paige 7

Tuesday Style (TS:) How important is spending time with your children?

Brian Rickman (BR) It’s very important to have quality time with your children. It’s time I spend imparting ideas that I think will help them in life and of course to bond with them. Parenting is a full time job and responsibility, I love my children and grandchildren dearly, I want to ensure they know that through my presence and involvement in their lives.

TS:What’s the most important lesson learned from your parents that you have already started to pass on to your child?

BR: Honesty and self belief for certain. Honesty is of utmost importance to me, and my children know that. I also think parents play a critical role in ensuring that their children believe in themselves and have self confidence to make their own mark on the world.

TS: How would you describe your parenting style?

BR: With parenting you really learn as you go along. There is no one style or a perfect style. As a father you try to teach your children morals and hope they take the right path and of course education is a key factor for their life. Children essentially are your legacy and the adults they become is a testament to the parent you are. I would like to think that I parent from the heart and try to steer them in the right direction always.

TS: How has your parenting style influenced your children’s behaviour?

BR: Well they are well behaved when they go out��. They are all at varying levels of success but overall they are good and hopefully they will make a good life for themselves. In today’s world, it is an achievement to have good children and I think my wife Diane and I have accomplished that.

TS: What’s your advice to new parents?

BR: Love your children and support them all you can. The bond between parent and child is based on unconditional love and that is really what you need to take you through each day with them, showing them that love and teaching them how to love. Love also teaches patience and other virtues that are important.

TS: Finally, what’s your Father’s Day wish?

BR: That all my children will live a happy life and ones that are meaningful and full of purpose. If they love the way we have loved them, they are already on the right path. Of course, it wouldn’t hurt if they won the Super Lotto so my wife and I can retire!