AS the sun sets on an illustrious career spanning 29 years, Shane Ellis, one of Caymanas Park’s most accomplished riders, is contemplating hanging up his whip. With a staggering 1300 plus wins under his belt Ellis, if deciding to call it a day, will be leaving a significant mark of achievement on Jamaican horse racing.

The veteran jockey’s impressive résumé boasts an array of prestigious victories, including seven Jamaica Derby wins (
Awesome Power – 2001, Typewriter – 2012, Relampago – 2014, Orpheus – 2016, Supreme Soul – 2019, Calculus – 2021, and Crown Chaser – 2024); four 1000 Guineas winners ( Ray of Hope – 2000, Latonia – 2004, Saint Cecelia – 2009, and
Niphal – 2011); four Jamaica Oaks titles (PW Choice – 1997, Latonia – 2024, Saint Cecelia – 2009, and Raeven Renae – 2011); three 2000 Guineas winners (Royal Image – 2008, Willie Goldsmith – 2013, and Supreme Soul – 2019); and a Triple Crown winner with Supreme Soul in 2019.

Ellis’s talent and dedication have earned him two jockeys’ championships (2000 and 2015) and countless accolades.

Despite his remarkable achievements Ellis feels it’s time to reassess his priorities.

“At the end of this year I’ll make a decision on whether or not I’ll retire from the saddle,” he revealed.

“It depends on how I feel. Maybe I might take a break from racing. I need a break, rest my body, recoup, and come again,” Ellis told the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.

“So far I’ve done what I set out for, my goal. I have done what I was supposed to do. I haven’t won a Mouttet Mile yet. I’m trying to win a Mouttet Mile but my body’s a little bit tired,” said Ellis who on Monday, October 20, 2025 received the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service to horse racing at Kings House.

Ellis, with 1,372 career winners, sits third on the all-time list of riders based on victories. Only Winston “Fanna” Griffiths (1,663 wins) and Trevor “Slicer” Simpson (1,509 wins) have ridden more winners than Ellis. Based on American website
Equibase, Ellis has ridden 123 winners in North America.

As he looks back on his remarkable journey the 52-year-old beams with pride.

“Winning so many races was good. It’s a great achievement, and I’m very proud of myself. I have no regrets,” Ellis shared.

With a career spanning nearly three decades Ellis has earned the respect and admiration of the racing community. As he weighs his options one thing is certain — Shane Ellis will always be remembered as one of the best to jump into the saddle at Caymanas Park.

Shane Ellis basks in the beauty and magnificence of 2019 Boom Jamaica Derby winner, Supreme Soul.

Jockey Shane Ellis on his third Derby winner, Relampago, on June 14, 2014.