Winston Griffiths, the legendary jockey whose name stands as a benchmark for success in Caribbean horse racing, secured his first victory as a trainer on Sunday, September 20, at Caymanas Park.
During a distinguished career in the irons, the rider known to racing fans as "Fanna" made more than 1,600 visits to the winner’s enclosure, the highest tally recorded by any jockey in the English-speaking Caribbean. His record includes over 40 Classic victories and five riding championships.
After retiring from the saddle, Griffiths completed the Jamaica Racing Commission’s Training School programme, graduating in May 2023 to begin his second career as a licensed conditioner.
After coming close in those eight starts, including three - second place finishes, on Sunday, September 20, 2026, Alaeddin broke the ice by winning the second race of nine, a four-year-old and up Maiden Special Weight contest travelling four furlongs.
Racing from post one with Carlos Blake in the saddle, Alaeddin came late to snatch a 1 ¾ length victory over Hoffy Dee (Dane McKenzie) second and Time And Patience (Joy Haynes) third.
The victory marks Griffiths' entry into the win column as a trainer, a transition that presents distinct challenges from his decades as a top-flight rider.
"This win took a long time and now it is here, and I am truly grateful. It took a lot of hard work to achieve this first success, and I thank those at the stables for working with me, it is not an easy road," Griffiths stated following the race.
Griffiths currently has two horses under his care as he continues to build his training operations.
