KINGSTON, Jamaica - THE man who holds the record for riding the most winners at Caymanas Park (1,664), Winston “Fanna” Griffiths, is making a major shift in his career.
Griffiths is listed among 40 individuals to undergo training as conditioners of thoroughbred racehorses starting on May 17 and under the supervision of the regulatory body of horse racing, the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC). Griffiths retired from his saddle duties approximately seven years ago and was recently honoured for his contribution to the sport with a trophy race named after him.
JRC Chairman Clovis Metcalfe confirmed the inclusion of Griffiths in the upcoming course, expected to last for six months, while explaining the reasons for the training programme having a hybrid format.
“Racing has undergone a rough two-year period due mainly to the onset of COVID-19. So, we at the JRC had to sit down and look at ways to proceed with this particular course for trainers to make it more relevant and appealing to those who wanted to become conditioners.”
Metcalfe then explained the hybrid nature of the course.
“We are increasing the number of students to 40 from approximately 20 to 25. We had over 50 applicants but 40 paid the required fees by the stipulated date. Then, we examined the requirements for entry and made a change. In the past we admitted only those with a certain number of years as an assistant trainer, now we will admit those with the past training as assistants plus we have added those who want to become trainers but have not served as assistants before — in other words, newcomers.”
The JRC chairman then broke down the background of the 40 participating students.
“Of the lot of 40 who will begin their studies on May 17, 27 are assistant trainers with five or more years of experience, and of the remaining 13, eight have experience as assistant trainers for just over a year, with the other five being newcomers to the training of horses.
“We have therefore maintained much of what existed before, with the addition of the new elements of the number of participants and their credentials for entry. This we believe will be a dynamic intervention that will give an impetus to those who want to become contributors to the racing industry.
“There is, however, one major stipulation for those coming in without the benefit of previous experience — they have to serve a one-year apprenticeship period under the guidance of a licensed trainer of their choice,” Metcalfe stated.
The course curriculum includes the basic anatomy and conformation of the horse, equine nutrition, black-smithery, saddling gear and equipment, the rules of racing, training the thoroughbred, among other subject areas.
The cost for participation is $150,000.
