SEVERAL standout jockeys from the graduating class of 2024 have been making serious waves since officially receiving their riding licences in late December 2024.

Leading this new wave of talent are Tajay Suckoo and Richie Shakes — both hailing from Lionel Town in Clarendon — along with Demar Williams, Jaheim Anderson, and Shaheem Gordon.

To understand the trajectory of these young riders, it helps to understand the weight allowances they carry. Zero to nine wins the apprentices start with a 4kg claim; 10 to 29 wins the claim drops to 3kg; 30 to 59 wins the claim drops to 2kg; and 60 and more wins the rider loses their apprentice allowance entirely. Note, female riders are granted a permanent, lifetime claim of 2kg.

Leading the charge among his peers is Shakes. He has already piloted 61 winners. As of Saturday, July 11, Shakes stands alone as the only graduate from his class of 30 to have officially lost his weight claim.

He’s currently sitting at number six in the Jockey Championship with 24 wins this year. His overall talent is undeniable. However, life without “the bug” has proven challenging.

Since losing his weight allowance, Shakes’ frequent visits to the winner’s enclosure have noticeably slowed, yielding just a single victory over the last month and a half. Despite this temporary dry spell, Shakes possesses the polished skill set required to rebound and solidify his place among the elite.

Williams sits on the cusp of a major milestone with 59 career wins. A single victory will push him to the 60-win mark and strip him of his apprentice claim. Much like Shakes, Williams has experienced a recent dip in momentum. Yet, currently holding the ninth spot in jockeys’ standings with 14 wins for the year and he has repeatedly proven he has the mettle and grit to fight through the slump and find his way back to the winner’s circle.

While others have hit a temporary plateau, Suckoo is capitalising on massive momentum — largely driven by a potent new alliance with former three-time champion trainer Anthony Nunes. Suckoo has accumulated 54 career victories to date. He is enjoying a stellar 2026 campaign, currently occupying the number four spot in the jockeys’ championship thanks to a superb haul of 35 winners this year alone.

Of the list of 30 from the 2024 graduating class, nine are still without a single victory.

NAME WINS

Demar Williams driving home Lockdown. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Richie Shakes 61

Demar Williams 59

Tajay Suckoo 54

Tyrese Anderson 25

Jaheim Anderson 24

Shaheem Gordon 23

Emelio McLean 20

Eric Haughton 13

Evertte Clunis 9

Garvin Harris 8

Tajay Suckoo atop Dark Authority. (Photo: Joseph Wellington)

Nicardo Carr 7

Romane Gordon 4

Rotajmar Weir 4

Dane McKenzie 2

Jereau Stewart 2

Joy Haynes 1

Javier Sybble 1

Javonne Prince 1

Shayne Martin 1

Roshaune Lewis 1

Jockey Joy Haynes has so far won one race. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Demetri Senior 0

Rohan Coley 0

Josh Edwards 0

Ronaldo Ferguson 0

Romae Foster 0

Anthony Frazer 0

Theophilus Jackson 0

Jermaine Lewis ` 0

Tyrone Green 0

Chad Harris 0