For the winter break and their working holidays during the temporary hiatus from riding in North America, champions Christopher Mamdeen (2019), Dane Dawkins (2022) and former two-time titlist Shane Ellis (2000,15) as well as Dick Cardenas (2011) have added an interesting dynamic to the likely outcome of 2024 jockeys’ championship as either Raddesh Roman or Tevin Foster will become the ninth winner in the last 24 seasons.

When Omar Walker (2007,08,09,10,16,17), Dane Nelson (2012,13,14,21 joint) and Anthony Thomas (2017,18,20 and 21 joint) are added to those mentioned above, it is unlikely that this competitiveness and fairly consistent change is duplicated or surpassed in any other jurisdiction.

Prior to 1959 and going back to the reliable 1938 statistics, there were far fewer race meetings and this made it less competitive. Reggie Mackenzie (1941,42,43,45), Barrington Smith (1956,57,58) and the all-time great Arthur Jones (1946,47,48,49,50,51,52,54), resulted in only one title each for Ernest Perkins (1938), Charles Neath (1939), William “Billy” Pick, Aston “Pin” Bent (1944), Ransford Holness (1953) and Carlton Sewell (1955).

Whilst speaking of titles, it is interesting note that the other Caymanas Park champions are as follows: -Arthur Jones (1959,61), Horatio Nelson (1960), Neville Cousley (1962,63), Winston Ellis (1964,67,69), Trevor McKenzie (1965,66,68) Jose Bravo (1970 joint), Richard Depass (1970 joint,71), George Hosang (1972,73,74,75), Charles Hussey (1976,77,01), Trevor Simpson (1992,89,02,03,04), Winston Griffiths (1978,79,80,81,95), Andrew Ramgeet (1996,99), Emilio Rodriquez (1982,84,85,87), Joseph Buchanan (1988,93), Hubert Bartley (1991) Percival Williams (1994) and Reyan Lewis (2023). Trinidadian Brian Harding (2005,06) and Panamanians Jose Bravo and Dick Cardenas are the three foreign-born champions along with Englishman William “Billy” Pick.

The migration of Richard Depass followed by George Hosang to North America was the inauguration of a trend, which saw other champions such as Charles Hussey, Emelio Rodriquez, Trevor Simpson, Andrew Ramgeet, and Wesley Henry gaining recognition there. However, Winston A Thompson, without a local title and based at Suffolk Downs mainly, has won over 3,100 races since 1988 and there are many others, not as successful, but has enhanced the trustworthiness of Jamaica’s jockeys.

In the mind of the racing fans, all champions brought different levels of strengths to their tactical awareness and approach, athletic ability, judgement of pace and horsemanship. One intangible thing that enhances the popularity of a jockey is a personality that transforms them in crowd favourites always engaging with the racegoers and as a result attract significant followings.

In these terms, Emelio “Bimbo” Rodriquez, Trevor “Slicer” Simpson, Andrew “Narry” Ramgeet, Wesley “Callaloo” Henry, Shane “Rocco” Ellis and the consummate crowd favourite, Dane “The Warrior Chief” Nelson, emerge as the best in this aspect. Importantly for these riders, this trait also helped to develop a cohort of very loyal owners as well.

Going back to Winston Ellis, father of Shane, George Hosang, Winston Griffiths, Charles Hussey, Hubert Bartley, and Omar Walker had huge followings and are clearly great. However, they come across as very serious professionals who rarely allowed themselves the luxury of a smile even in posing in the winners’ enclosure after major race successes. Still, none are really shy or averse to being interviewed on radio and television.

The debate over which is the greatest at their peak is a legitimate one and it should not be difficult to make an argument for settling on the top five of a list naming the 10 best ever. This should be an interesting conversation. Raddesh Roman (115) and Tevin Foster (114), the protagonists battling for this season’s title, have ridden 229 winners of the 639 races run so far.

In a scenario where less races are available here, it may be that these two riders will be continuing the trend of seeking opportunities overseas as the number, for obvious reasons, continue to decline year over year. In a future publication the greatest breeders, owners and trainers will be presented.