Clovis Metcalfe, chairman of the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC), the regulatory body of horse racing in Jamaica, praised the efforts shown by the apprentice jockeys in training during their first competitive races on Sunday, July 7, 2024.

The apprentice riders got the opportunity to showcase their skills in the Jockeys’ Training School Race #1, an event designed for the trainees. The maiden special weight for native-bred four-year-old and upward over 4 furlongs was split into two divisions.

Division One was won by Lambo Girl, ridden by Jermaine Lewis, while Texas Metal won Division Two under Eric Haughton.

“I think they did very well. It is not a personal opinion, it is based on what racegoers and pundits were saying to me,” Metcalfe told the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.

“They [apprentice jockeys in training] rode very well; they looked well-poised, the hand riding was good, and so it was a good introduction for them to know that they don’t really need a whip to get a horse going,” he added.

Lambo Girl made one move to win her section by 3 ½ lengths ahead of Princess Ria (Haughton) and Beautiful Moon (Jahiem Anderson) in a time of 49.2. Lambo Girl is trained by Adrian Prince.

The Omar Williams-conditioned Texas Metal came from behind rivals to win his section by a length and three quarters in a time of 50.0. Finishing second was Storm Boy (Joy Haynes) and finishing third was Crafty Zella Zeen (Jereau Stewart).

“I was particularly impressed with the female [Joy Haynes] who came a close second in Division Two,” Metcalfe said.

“It was a very good introduction and I am just hoping that the promoter will see fit to put on another race or two of this kind.

“Some of the apprentices who are still in the jockeys’ school did not ride today, and I think that it would be nice for them to get an opportunity to get in front of such a large crowd before graduation,” Metcalfe stated.