American-based top-notch jockey Edgard Zayas beamed with pride as he reflected on his historic moment at Caymanas Park on Tuesday, August 6, 2024.

In an historic coincidence his first career winner was trained by a Jamaican, Collin Maragh — a connection that made his debut ride in Jamaica all the more special.

As Zayas navigated the Caymanas Park track, he felt a deep sense of connection to his past and present. His first winner,
Five Afternoons, was a testament to the global bonds of horse racing, and now, he had come full circle to ride in the land of his first triumph’s roots.

“I started my riding career in 2012 and I have ridden close to 2,500 winners. I am based in South Florida and it has been an awesome experience,” Zayas told the Jamaica Observer’s
The Supreme Racing Guide.

“To make my trip to Jamaica special was that my first winner was for a Jamaican trainer, Collin Maragh. The horse’s name was Five Afternoons at Calder racetrack on November 17, 2022. Collin is Rajiv Maragh’s dad,” he added.

Although Zayas didn’t enter reach the winners’ circle, his inaugural experience at Caymanas Park left an indelible mark on his heart. A third-place finish aboard Captain Sparrow in the prestigious Jamaica Derby was merely the icing on the cake.

“It’s been great, I really loved it — the experience has been awesome. Everybody has been welcoming, and they’re all great people. I love it here,” he said.

Zayas was effusive in his praise for the Caymanas Park racetrack, marvelling at its “very nice” facilities and “amazing” surface. He also noted a key difference between riding in Jamaica and his usual American circuit.

“The horses are different, and you have to ride them differently. In America, the horses are a little better, so it’s more about being tactical. Here, you need to be lucky and have the horses bring their A-game on the day,” he said.

“I have ridden at Gulfstream, Belmont, Saratoga, Churchill Downs, Dubai, Santa Anita, Delmar among others. A lot of tracks I have ridden at as I like to travel all around. I like travelling and riding to get the experience and so when I got the offer to come here, I took it.

“I was looking to ride here and so I am happy to be here. I would come back here to ride. I was looking forward to the Mouttet Mile but it normally runs on a Saturday and Saturdays are a little harder to get out and ride,” Zayas ended.