Jermaine Lewis’s journey to becoming a professional jockey was far from smooth. Despite his passion for horse racing, he faced numerous setbacks that threatened to derail his dreams.

Lewis had been involved in horse racing since the age of 10, but his path to becoming a jockey was not straightforward. He dropped out of Spanish Town High School in grade 11, causing concern for his parents, Claudette Gordon and Lascelles Lewis, who lived apart. However, Lewis’s determination never wavered. He spent every spare moment at the track, learning everything he could about horses and racing.

Despite his passion, Lewis’s dream seemed to slip further away. He applied to the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) Jockeys’ Training Programme multiple times but was rejected due to age restrictions.

“When I applied to the jockeys’ school, I was denied entry because of age restrictions,” Lewis recalled.

“Each time the jockey school came up, I ended up leaving the game. And whenever I did apply for the school, I got rejected. The age limit was 25, and at the time I was older than that. It was a tough pill to swallow, but I knew I couldn’t give up. I had to keep pushing forward.”

Just when Lewis thought all hope was lost, he got a second chance. He reapplied this year to JRC Jockeys’ Training programme, and this time he was accepted.

“It is just the almighty. I have been here a very long time wanting the opportunity, but I was in and out of the game. Many of the times when the jockeys’ school comes up, I ended up leaving the game. The trainers argued with me that every time I am leaving the game not pursuing my dream,” Lewis said.

He continued: “Three months now into the jockeys’ school I have gained a lot of knowledge. Mr Paul Ramsay taught us a lot about posture, seating, and many things about horses; the stewards taught us a lot about racing rules plus a lot of things we never knew about; the doctors taught us a lot about the different parts of the horses.”

Finally, Lewis’s hard work has paid off. He has the distinction of winning the first of the apprentice races on July 7, 2024 aboard Lambo Girl. Trained by Adrian Prince, Lambo Girl easily won Division One of the four-furlong (800m) event by 3 ½ lengths, beating
Princess Ria (Eric Haughton) in 49.2.

The win was a turning point, propelling Lewis into the spotlight and earning him recognition within the racing community.

“It was a very easy ride. Leaving the furlong and half furlong pole, I even geared down on her. I don’t even start to gallop her out as yet. I don’t ride her out. From I went and look the ride from the trainer, I knew that she was a soup. This is a horse that I have been working with from she was young and so I understand her very well,” he said.

Now, at 36 years old, Lewis is eager to make his mark on the racing world. With his mind focused and his body ready, he’s eager to prove himself as a skilled jockey.

“Being 36 years old, I don’t have many years in the saddle and so I’m eager to get going. My mind is ready. I am fully focused and I think I will get the support from the trainers,” Lewis noted.

Lewis has no regrets about pursuing a profession in the racing industry.

“I grew up around both my father and mother. Although they don’t live together, I spent time with both of them. My mother lives in Spanish Town, and my father lives in Caymanas Gardens.

“On holidays and during the summer, I used to come and spend time with my father and we would go to the track regularly, and I fell in love with the game. Although I was in and out of the game, I have no regrets choosing a profession in the racing industry,” he said.

Lewis expressed gratitude to those who have supported him on his journey.

“I would like to thank trainer Anthony Nunes, as it was his horses that I got upon to build and motivate me,” he said. “Others, like Edward Walker, Vincent Edwards, and Carlton Malcolm, who I grew up with in Spanish Town, also deserve thanks.

“Special thanks to my mother and father; my uncles; Ryan Bailey; and a special friend, Lindsay Smith, as they are the ones who helped me with my school fees,” Lewis ended.