It was the 1960s, and Jamaica’s horse racing scene was abuzz with excitement. Amidst the thrill and spectacle, a young prodigy emerged, destined to leave an indelible mark on the sport. Trevor McKenzie, son of former champion jockey Reggie McKenzie, was his name, and greatness was his game.

At just 15, McKenzie achieved his first jockeys’ championship title in 1965. The racing fraternity took notice, and whispers of the “wonder boy” spread like wildfire. But McKenzie was only getting started.

The following year, 1966, would prove to be a defining one for the teenage sensation. With an astonishing 60 winners, McKenzie shattered records and secured his second championship title. The achievement earned him a nomination for the prestigious Carreras Sportsman of the Year Award (now called the National Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year), a rare distinction for a jockey.

McKenzie’s success was not limited to one exceptional year. He continued to dominate the racing scene, claiming his third championship title in 1968. His name became synonymous with excellence, and his reputation as one of Jamaica’s greatest jockeys was cemented.

However, McKenzie’s remarkable career was cut short due to weight problems. The same physique that had once propelled him to victory now threatened to derail his future. With a heavy heart, McKenzie bid farewell to the sport he loved, leaving behind a legacy that would inspire generations to come.

Years later, in 2006, McKenzie’s contributions to Jamaican horse racing were formally recognised with his induction into the Hall of Fame. The honour was a testament to his enduring impact on the sport.

“I don’t want to brag or anything, but riding came naturally for me. I started to learn how to ride in June of 1963 and began my career as a jockey in January of 1964, so in six months, I was a professional rider. My first winner was aboard a horse by the name of
Puzzle for my father over seven furlongs, and I couldn’t sleep that night after winning my first race. It was just pure joy.

“The following year, 1965, it was the championship, and in 1966 it was another championship year again. I was going for history in winning three championships in a row, but I lost my riding licence. However, I came back the following year and won my third championship, and then I started to gain weight, which really hampered my career. I had a good teacher back then… my father… he taught me a lot,” McKenzie said.

With his riding career cut short by weight problems, McKenzie sought a fresh start in the United States. Leaving behind the thrill of the track, he embarked on a new journey, trading his saddle for a chance at a different life.

“I didn’t ride for long,” McKenzie reflected. “When I started riding in 1964, I was like 73 pounds, and by 1969, I had to stop due to weight issues. I got heavy and grew out of the saddle. In 1970 I tried to make a comeback, but I was too heavy. Then I migrated to the USA in 1974.

“I went to New York and became an exercise rider. I worked for some good trainers and that was my living. It was OK for me as I had enough to provide for my family, and so [I have] no regrets with the twists and turns of my career,” said McKenzie.

Although he lived in the States for over 40 years, McKenzie said that he always had a soft spot for the land of wood and water.

“I have been home every year since 1992, spending time from like the end of December to March of the next year. This time I came to see my friend David McKenzie ride and trainer Michael Marlowe, as we grew up together. I am also very proud of Marlowe, to see him come home and doing well conditioning horses.

“I am happy to be here…I am just happy as this is my life. I lived in America for over 40 years but my heart is always in Jamaica. The body was in America but the heart is here in Jamaica. I love it here and I love everybody here,” McKenzie declared.

McKenzie then shared the story of how he got into horse racing.

“When I was a little boy growing up, my sister took me to Knutsford Park, and from [the moment] I saw the horses and the jockeys, I said to myself, ‘I want to become a jockey.’ After that, they left Knutsford Park and racing began at Caymanas Park, but I didn’t go to Caymanas Park for a very long while [about four to five years], and I forgot everything about wanting to become a jockey.

“And so, one Friday evening I went to Old Harbour to visit my father and I saw a little guy riding a horse and I begged him a ride and he came up to me to give me the horse, but I said no at first. But eventually, I got up on the horse and it felt like it was natural for me,” McKenzie shared.

Although his riding career was short-lived, McKenzie said that he has no regrets how his life has turned out.

“I have great memories and I thank God for everything. The best horse I have ridden was Rameses. He ended up being one of the best horses in Jamaica, and I was the one who broke his maiden. The next time he [ Rameses] ran, I took a horse named Mary Poppins and beat him. Everything has been good and I have no regrets whatsoever about anything,” ended McKenzie.

On Sunday, September 15, 2024, the former three-time champion jockey McKenzie was honoured with a race in his name.