Veteran jockey Clive Lynch hits 500 career victories aboard Mr Lee
Jockey Clive Lynch rode into the history books on Saturday, September 27, 2025, with a triumphant 500th career win aboard Mr Lee in the Reprieve Trophy.
The Reprieve Trophy, a Restricted Allowance II contest for native-bred three-year-olds (non-winners of two) and imported three-year-olds and upward (maidens) over 9 furlongs (1,800m), saw Mr Lee winning by a neck.
Mr Lee came from behind runners to nip Alchemy of Souls (Robert Halledeen) on the wire, completing the distance in 1:58.4 (24.1 x 47.4 x 1:14.2 x 1:43.4).
“I feel great about this achievement. I should have done this a few race days back as Mr DaCosta [Jason] gave me a chance to get my 500th win, but it was just unfortunate. Now this 500th win came in such a way that I am grateful of it,” Lynch told the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.
He acknowledged those who contributed to his success.
“I am feeling great, I am feeling good. I must thank trainer Mr Lee Clarke for giving me this 500th win. I mean, 500 races, I give thanks for it but really and truly I should have gone a lot more. Looking back at my career, I wouldn’t have done anything differently. I have no regrets,” Lynch said.
Lynch’s roots in racing run deep, tracing back to 1992 — a career punctuated by perseverance and dedication. Yet his path wasn’t without its detours; he stepped away from the saddle for about 12 years when Jamaica’s racing scene hit a rough patch.
“At one stage of the racing, the game was a little bit messy and so, I decided to take a break from it,” he stated.
Lynch is positioned at number 21 on the all-time list of jockeys by winners and so he knows he’s among an elite group.
“There are a lot of jockeys here and very few who had the opportunity or the success to win 500 races. I give thanks and praises. Such milestones don’t come easy, it takes a lot of hard work and discipline and I am forever grateful for this moment,” said Lynch.
Despite this significant, Lynch isn’t done yet. With characteristic fire in his belly, he looks ahead with ambitious optimism.
“I am looking forward to another 500 wins to make it 1,000 wins. There’s no time for retirement as when the time comes, my body will tell me,”he concluded.
Mr Lee (#2-Clive Lynch) gets the better of Alchemy of Souls (Robert Halleeden) in the Reprieve Trophy on Saturday, September 27, 2025. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)
