Richie Shakes, a promising new talent emerging from the Jamaica Racing Commission's (JRC) Jockeys' Training School, continues to make significant strides in his early career as a jockey. Since graduating in December 2024, Shakes has marked an encouraging beginning, already achieving notable success on the racecourse with two wins under his belt.
Shakes celebrated his first victory on December 28, 2024, aboard Benson. Just days later, on January 11, 2025, Shakes piloted Power Ranking to win the fifth race.
Power Ranking's triumphed in a $1 million to $800,000 claiming race featuring thoroughbreds three years and older. The race spanned a distance of 6 furlongs.
Under the guidance of seasoned trainer Lawrence Freemantle, Power Ranking exhibited a powerful run. Shakes quickly positioned the six-year-old bay horse right from the start at the front of the pack, establishing a strong lead against contenders Alexa’s Lodge (ridden by Tevin Foster) and Storm A Come (with Robert Halledeen in the saddle). As the race approached the halfway mark, Power Ranking maintained a steady pace, expertly manoeuvring through the critical half-mile turn.
When the moment was right, Shakes asked Power Ranking to accelerate in the stretch. In response to his jockey's signals, Power Ranking surged forward, ultimately securing a comfortable victory by a length and three-quarters. The time of the race was clocked at 1:14.2, with splits of 23.4 seconds for the opening quarter, 48.0 seconds at the half, and reaching the mile mark at 1:00.3. This performance not only showcased Shakes' deft handling of Power Ranking but also highlighted the horse's remarkable capabilities.
As the dust settled on this thrilling contest, Burning Valor, ridden by Emelio McLean, took second place, while the third spot was claimed by Whisky, steered by Tajay Suckoo. With this latest win, Richie Shakes joins his fellow apprentice jockey, Suckoo, as one of only two riders from their graduating class to have achieved two wins thus far.
