One of Caymanas Park’s brightest young trainers has called time on his career. Howard Jaghai, a respected figure in the training ranks for over two decades, has retired from horse racing.

For Jaghai, the decision wasn’t sudden, but it became inevitable after the passing of his father, Harry.

“With the passing of my father, Harry Jaghai, who had 341 wins and a remarkable racing career, who has been there with me throughout my entire racing career, up to the point where I reached the milestone of 100 wins, when he passed it was as if I lost the passion and it just did not feel the same after that,” Jaghai told the
Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.

His father died in 2023 and in the three years since, Jaghai said he had been contemplating retirement.

“I have been contemplating it for a while. My wife supports me in everything that I do and we spoke about it on numerous occasions, weighed all the pros and cons, and I decided to hang up my boots,” he explained.

Beyond his father’s death, Jaghai added: “There were other circumstances beyond my control that led me to my decision.”

Jaghai spent 25 years as a trainer and 3½ years as an assistant before that, amassing 110 career wins.

“I’ve never had a positive finding nor have I ever signed for a horse so I leave with an immaculate record,” he said.

As his own biggest critic, Jaghai admits he never quite reached the pinnacle he set for himself.

“I aspired to equal my dad’s career wins of 341 and I tried assiduously to emulate him but, in my humble opinion, I believe I did fairly well,” he said.

He established himself during what he calls the “Gold” era, when horses like Palace Gold, Shining Gold, and
Red Gold put his name among the top-flight trainers.

“Undoubtedly, Palace Gold with 11 wins, 14 seconds and 11 thirds,” he said when asked about the best horse he trained. “I won a string of Allowance races with her. She developed into a top run-on sprinter. Before her, there was Lady Hyderabad, who I hold in high regards. It was that crop of juveniles that made me the leading 2-year-old trainer for a good stretch in 2010.”

Jaghai believes the public often misses what goes into the job.

“Most of the times, the public only see what’s on the surface, [but] there are a lot of gears turning and it takes a lot to get the horses to the races, let alone win a race,” he stated.

Despite racing’s reputation for straining families, Jaghai said he managed the balance.

“One has to master the art of balance, which I did. I managed stud farms and had other second jobs throughout my career while training and still made time for my family,” Jaghai said.

He also believes the sport can support young trainers, provided they have the right backing.

“Yes, the sport is set up to keep young trainers in the game but as a trainer, it is vital that you have support from owners and also good quality bloodstock,” Jaghia noted.

While his days in the training barn are over, Jaghai isn’t walking away from the sport entirely.

“Horse racing runs deep in my blood. Being a trainer is one of the most important factors that have defined me and as such, [but] I do see myself staying around in a different role,” Jaghai ended.

Jaghai’s milestone occurred on Saturday, August 26, 2023, when his four-year-old bay filly Premier Identity triumphed in the $730,000-Maiden Condition Race for native-bred four-year-olds and upwards over 5 furlongs (1,000m) straight.

Trainer Howard Jaghai (right) and jockey Raddesh Roman share the spotlight.

Trainer Howard Jaghai (right) makes sure his charge Sweet Victory is properly equipped. At left is groom Leroy Barrett.

Trainer Howard Jaghai (right) and jockey Paul Francis discuss riding strategies.

Trainer Howard Jaghai (second left) and other connections in the winners’ enclosure with Lady Ramdularie, winner of the 11th and final event on Sunday, February 25, 2024.

Trainer Howard Jaghai (right) and his wife with his last official winner Lockdown.

Jockey Trevor “Slicer” Simpson (left) and trainer Howard Jaghai found something to laugh about while in the Parade Ring.

Trainer Howard Jaghai leads his 100th career winner Premier Identity into the winners’ enclosure on Saturday, August 26, 2023. The jockey is Tevin Foster.