In mid-December 2024, a new cohort of apprentice jockeys graduated from the Racing Commission’s Jockeys’ Training School. Since then, many of these young riders have steadily begun to make their presence felt not just by racking up wins, but by showing real growth and promise in the saddle.
Leading the charge among the 29 graduates are Demar Williams with an impressive 29 victories, Richie Shakes close behind with 27, Tajay Suckoo with 15, Emelio McLean with 12, and Tyrese Anderson with 11 wins to date.
However, while some have made progress, others have yet to taste success.
That changed on Sunday, September 14, when Dane McKenzie broke through.
On just his eighth ride of the year, McKenzie earned his first career win aboard Rock-Ola, trained by Michael Marlowe.
Competing in a maiden condition race for four-year-olds and up over six and a half furlongs, Rock-Ola dominated from the start, cruising to an emphatic eight-length victory. Empressinthebreeze followed in second, with Sweet Bern rounding out the top three. The winning time was clocked at 1:25.4.
Despite this milestone, several graduates from the class of 2024 are still chasing their first win—but McKenzie’s breakthrough offers a promising sign of what’s possible.
