KINGSTON, Jamaica - Mention the name Emilio Rodriquez to even a young punter and immediately the memories of his magnificent stint in the saddle start to effortlessly flow.
Rodriquez, popularly known as “Bimbo”, “Chest” or “Willie Carson” and who went on to be dubbed the “People’s Champion” for his strength of purpose and never-say-die attitude in the saddle.
On Thursday, November 7, Rodriquez will be honoured for his outstanding contribution to horse racing at the 2019 Yearling Sale Triple Champions Awards Dinner to be held at the AC Hotel in Kingston starting at 6:30 pm.
Quickgallop.com spoke with Rodriquez at his home in Long Island, USA, and this interview is published below.
QG: Quick Gallop
ER: Emilio Rodriquez
QG: Tell us about your background?
ER: I was born in downtown Kingston, 4 Clovelly Road to be exact and for those who don’t know that is near to Kingston College, East Queen Street, Blake Road and areas like those. I attended Holy Family Primary School and then Holy Trinity High School on North Street.
QG: What were your early days at the track like?
ER: I went around from trainer to trainer at first before landing with trainer Fitz Crawford. I spent four years as an apprentice living most of the time from stable to stable. It was not easy but it worked out in the end as I was able to grow and develop my skills.
QG: Which horse was your first winner?
ER: Bright Spark trained by Billy Williams was my first and second winner. By then I was working horses for most of the big trainers at the time, for example, Billy Williams, Gerry Skelton among others. When I rode my first winner, it was like a dream come true. I was so happy and the grooms and others at the stables ran a massive ‘boat’ to celebrate my first victory. Bright Spark went on to be quite a good broodmare producing quite a few good runners.
OG: You rode three Derby winners, tell us about those wins?
ER: Yes, three Derby winners, Thornbird (1984), Tudor Wit (1975) and Lucky Ole Sun (1979). Thornbird was a talented horse with a lot of speed, so the main concern was whether she could get the 12 furlongs of the Derby. I just put her in front and she lasted home. On Tudor Wit, I really had no problems but on Lucky Ole Sun it was quite different. Many people still remember that race for many reasons but for me, what I remember most was that Lucky Ole Sun had shut off with two furlongs to go and I had to ride with all of my strength and more to get him home in a tight finish. After going by the winning post, Lucky Ole Sun could not go beyond the round mile, I had to jump off and walk back with the saddle in my hand.
QG: Which other races stick out in your mind?
ER: There were many races that ended in close finishes. I can remember riding Words of Rocket for trainer Sydney Watson and ending up in a bang-up finish – five horses across the track. That win was special. Let me say, though, that I have to recognise Vin Edwards and Ren Gonzalves. Vin got me into Gonzalves’ stables in the mid-1970s and that is when I really started to win races. I won my first Classic race on Charisma in the Jamaica Oaks for Gonzalves.
QG: Which is the best horse you have mounted in Jamaica?
ER: Don’t have to think hard about that answer. Kaz HoShay was the best horse I have ever ridden in Jamaica. This filly was a bit crazy but I really enjoyed riding her. I remember being on Kaz HoShay in the Superstakes (1982) when she ran a fast time of, if I remember correctly, under 2:05.0 for 10 furlongs. Trainer Philip Feanny had her in tip-top shape, she was a racehorse and I was happy to ride her. There was also Ettu, who was a really good horse as well and I won some good races while on board.
QG: You left Jamaica in the 1980’s for the US, tell us of your time abroad?
ER: Well, to tell the truth from about 1984, I started to travel to the US on and off. When I decided to make it permanent, I rode mostly at the Aqueduct racetrack where I was consistently in the top 20 list of jockeys.
QG: Do you have any regrets leaving Jamaica?
ER: No, none at all, as I did pretty well. As with all professions, there were good times and bad times, but I am happy and again no regrets.
QG: What made you special in the saddle?
ER: I just love to ride horses. I had good strength which I used to good effect in a lot of my races. The more I rode was the more I developed my riding skills and I was always trying to win. I gave it my all and was rewarded when the punters called me the ‘People’s Champion’. That was the greatest credit of all and I am grateful.
QG: Your advice to young riders?
ER: Never stop learning, give it the best you can all the time on every mount. Respect the people that keep racing going, that is, the punters, always be their ‘People’s Champion’. Then there is a thing called hardwork, which no rider can ignore. Getting to work in the mornings on time is crucial, work with the trainers and get to know the horses well are also essential for development and progress.
QG: Your thoughts on being honoured at this special dinner?
ER: I wasn’t expecting it but I am overjoyed to be honoured in this way before such a big weekend of racing to include the Diamond Mile. It is good to know that after so many years of riding, which is a difficult profession to deal with, I am getting recognition. It is truly wonderful and I appreciate it a lot. Thanks to all who have made it possible.
