The 2025 racing season is well underway, with five months of thrilling competition already in the books. As the first two Classic races loom on the horizon, the battle for supremacy among jockeys is intensifying.
While it may be too early to make definitive predictions, one undeniable fact stands out—champion jockey Raddesh Roman has surged ahead with a commanding lead of 11 wins.
Veteran riders Shane Ellis (24 wins) and Robert Halledeen (21) continue to be formidable contenders, securing the second and third spots, respectively.
However, the biggest talking point in the jockey ranks is the emergence of three new apprentice riders, who have wasted no time in making their presence felt.
APPRENTICES MAKING WAVES
These promising young jockeys embarked on their professional journey in mid-December 2024, and in just a few months, they have already cracked the top 10 rankings.
Leading the charge is Richie Shakes, who sits in fourth place with an impressive 18 victories to his name. Shakes has quickly become the go-to apprentice, consistently showcasing his skill and composure in the saddle.
Following closely behind is Tajay Suckoo, who has secured the fifth position with 15 wins. Suckoo and Shakes share a unique bond, both hailing from Lionel Town, Clarendon, and having been close friends for years. Their shared journey from aspiring riders to top-tier competitors adds an intriguing layer to their rise in the sport.
Joining them in the top 10 is Demar Williams, who rounds out the rankings in tenth place with 10 victories. Williams has been quietly but steadily proving his worth, delivering solid performances that have not gone unnoticed.
With months of racing still ahead, these apprentices have positioned themselves as serious contenders, proving that they belong among the elite. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Shakes, Suckoo, Williams and others to see if they can maintain their momentum.
Below is the list of top ten riders up to May 10, 2025.
Leading Jockeys - Wins
29 Racedays - 272 Races up to 10/05/2025 inclusive
| Name | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Mounts | Win% | Top3% | Stakes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ROMAN, RADDESH | 35 | 28 | 17 | 136 | 26% | 59% | $25,974,350 |
| 2 | ELLIS, SHANE G | 24 | 14 | 17 | 91 | 26% | 60% | $18,499,000 |
| 3 | HALLEDEEN, ROBERT A | 21 | 25 | 12 | 109 | 19% | 53% | $19,288,600 |
| 4 | SHAKES, RICHIE | 18 | 12 | 16 | 106 | 17% | 43% | $12,950,100 |
| 5 | SUCKOO, TAJAY L | 15 | 19 | 16 | 113 | 13% | 44% | $14,082,200 |
| 6 | FOSTER, TEVIN R | 15 | 13 | 12 | 79 | 19% | 51% | $13,346,300 |
| 7 | DAWKINS, DANE | 13 | 16 | 9 | 69 | 19% | 55% | $11,563,600 |
| 8 | LEWIS, REYAN | 12 | 13 | 11 | 73 | 16% | 49% | $10,119,350 |
| 9 | CARDENAS, DICK D | 11 | 7 | 8 | 72 | 15% | 36% | $8,025,350 |
| 10 | WILLIAMS, DEMAR O | 10 | 10 | 13 | 101 | 10% | 33% | $8,028,600 |
