There has been an evolving phenomenon in Canada and the United States, where many more of the Jamaica Racing Commission Riding School (JRCRS) graduates are finding opportunities to earn a living, doubling as declared race day jockeys and exercise riders. However, an examination of the horse population statistics will reveal a major concerning scenario going forward.

The fact of the matter is that over the last three-and-a-half decades, horse racing in those jurisdictions has seen an annual decline in the horse population, and consequently, there has been a significant decline in the number of races each succeeding season. For those who are not aware, the 82,708 North American thoroughbred races in 1989 shrank to 33,410 by December 31, 2025.

One has a basis to conclude that as a gaming product the North Americans have all but condemned horse racing to a predictable demise. As I have posited recently, at the current rate slippage, closure of racetracks and decreasing field sizes, by 2040 promotion of live horse racing will not be an economically viable business investment. What is needed there is massive investment in the breeding industry.

In the meantime, the Jamaicans are taking advantage of what has traditionally been immediate cash payments for galloping hoses in the mornings. As I understand it the earnings can total up to US$800-US$1,000 in a good week and of course riding in races at 10 per cent for each placed finish adds up, as well.

Apart from the migrated Wesley Henry 1997 titlist, Dane Nelson and Anthony Thomas, the 2021 joint champions, the following are some riders who are now more recent dual licence holders, who grasped this opportunity made possible by the JRCRS being recognised in those jurisdictions. Chris Mamdeen (2019 champion), Javaniel Patterson, Anthony Allen, Shavon Townsend, Bebeto Harvey Roger Hewitt, Samantha Fletcher and Matthew Bennettare are the more notable ones.

Eighty riders won at least one race in 2024; a season of 755 races dominated by champion Raddesh Roman and Tevin Foster with 133 and 132 wins from 501 and 562, respectively. Speaking of over 500 mounts in a season, these are the other champions with that distinction. Trevor Simpson (2002/571/172wins), DaneNelson (2012/555/124 wins), Andrew Ramgeet(1999/548/146 wins), and Shane Ellis (2000/521/99 wins).

In terms of the spread of incomes, things improved significantly for the colony in 2025. This was so although Roman rode in 426 of the calendar’s 754 races and won 129 at an astonishing all-time record strike rate of 62 per cent. Last season, 2025, 30 riders had at least six winners with Dawkins’ belated return from overseas netting himself 56, Robert Halledeen 50, Demar Willams 44, and Shane Ellis 41, in the top five.

Interestingly, Demar Williams was naturally the top apprentice and Richie Shakes was next best at 36, significantlyvTajay Suckoo with 19 winners made the 2025 top 10 as well. The JRCRS graduating class of 2024 has gained the confidence of a significant number of owners and trainers.Emelio McLean and Tyrese Anderson 15 winners each and Shaheen Gordon 10.

As of May 16, 2026 Williams has so far added12 winners, Shakes 20, Suckoo 15, Gordon 10 to be in the top ten. Then there is Jahiem Anderson, getting a lot attention by winning with13of his88 mounts.We have seen this type of early success early in the career of many JRCRS graduates fade when no longer eligible to claim the weight allowances.

Rule 76B of the 1977 Racing Rules since 2017 directs that graduates of the JRCRS claim 04 kg until he or she has won 10 races, 03 kg for up to 30 winning rides and 02 kg for the next 30 giving a total of 60 rides.

The trainers will have a lot to say in a situation that bears watching.

As things stand, Willams, whose first winner was in December 2024, all told now has 57 wins, Shakes 56 and therefore will exhaust the weight claim shortly. Suckoo is at 36 whilst Gordon, 21 with 11 added this season, McLean 19, had one win in 2024, and Tyrese Anderson at 20 will be in the spotlight a lot in the second half of this season.

There is no question that these riders meet the criteria for promising, comfortably in all respects, with their judgement of pace, use of the whip, balance and composure when it matters at times.

Be it Roman, Dawkins or Foster, with these JRCRS kids around, the 100-win mark could prove elusive for whoever is eventual champion 2026.

Trevor Simpson has won 590 races in Canada.