Michael Marlowe reaches 100th career win with Rock-Ola victory
Michael Marlowe, one of Caymanas Park’s talented trainers, has been slowly but surely making waves in the thoroughbred racing scene since 2016.
As the son of former jockey and trainer Valbert Marlowe, Michael has clearly inherited his father’s passion and expertise. In just a few short years, he’s established himself as a noteworthy conditioner, earning recognition as the most-improved trainer in 2018 with 14 winners, 24 second-place finishers, and 26 third-place finishes. Those results came from 161 starts, with total earnings of over $15 million, placing him seventh in the overall trainers’ standings for that year.
That same year Marlowe saddled his first Classic winner, Marquesas, in the Jamaica St Leger.
Marquesas went on to be voted best three-year-old for the season, a testament to Marlowe’s skill and dedication.
Marlowe has added another impressive milestone to his resume: His 100th career winner, Rock-Ola, who crossed the finish line on January 3, 2026.
Rock-Ola’s success came in a Restricted Allowance V contest for native-bred five-year-olds and upward (non-winners of two) and imported five-year-olds and upward (maidens) over 6 ½ furlongs (1,300m). With apprentice Dane McKenzie in the saddle, Rock-Ola edged out stablemate Captain Fantastic (Phillip Parchment) by a nose in a time of 1:24.3.
“It took a while to get it but it finally came,” Marlowe said, expressing his joy and relief.
“We are enjoying it, I am happy for it, and now we don’t have anything over our heads so we could start rolling on and win some more races,” Marlowe told the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.
Marlowe’s success can be attributed to his hard work, strategic approach, and ability to nurture talented horses. With a stable of around 30 horses, he’s poised for continued success.
“There’s a lot of joy behind this milestone. I mean, I got the right owners and I am grateful for everyone’s support. Mr Wright, Mr Heffes, and Basil Williams, just to name a few, I have got some nice guys with me.
“I should have won 100 races maybe a year or two ago, but the last couple of years have been tough. Hopefully going forward we could get some fresher horses and do things better. We got about 30 horses now and I am expecting good things this year,” Marlowe ended.
MARLOWE…it took a while to get it but it finally came(Photo: Karl Mclarty)
Rock-Ola (#4-Dane McKenzie) gets the better of stablemate Captain Fantastic (Phillip Parchment) on Saturday, January 3, 2026.(Photo: Karl Mclarty)
