QUESTION (Q): Tell us about your background.
CRAIG DALEY (CD): I grew up in the community of Gregory Park in Portmore, St Catherine. With the racetrack being so close to where I live (walking distance), it wasn't a problem for me to go to the track. As long as you live in Gregory Park, you have to know about the track as most of the jockeys, trainers, and grooms live in and around the community. I got to love the game, and so I decided to venture into the industry, and at this point, I am a racehorse groom.
Q: When did you get involved in the game?
CD: I've been in the game for some time now. I came into the industry when I was 13 years old and spent quite a while learning, learning and learning. I was jumping around learning about the horses and stuff until I started working with trainer Adin Williams; I was 14 at the time. From there on, I have been in the sport of horse racing up to this day. And I am enjoying myself as well.
Q: When did you get your groom's licence?
CD: I got my first licence, a stable assistant licence in 2017, where I got to learn more about horses and my love for the animals grew. I then went on to get my groom's licence in 2020.
Q: Which horse was your first winner?
CD: My first winner as a groom was with Love Dub. It was a joy, I mean, winning my first race was just special. I was happy knowing that I had broken my 'ducks' as not a lot of grooms have won their first race as yet. I must be grateful for my first winner, and I continue to work hard at my trade, which again as I have said before I really love and enjoy.
Q: Which is the best horse you have groomed?
CD: Well, it has to be Love Dub who won the first and only race for me so far. At the moment, I have one horse under my care and it is a young horse who will be heading to the Yearling Sale this year. And so let's see what happens from there.
Q: Who is your favourite jockey?
CD: The one and only Andrew Ramgeet. He is a very good jockey, and I like his riding style.
Q: Who is your favourite trainer?
CD: Gary Subratie is my favourite. Not because he is my boss, but because he treats all his grooms well and with respect as well. He is a nice person who takes good care of his staff.
Q: Do you have any regrets about choosing a profession in the racing industry?
CD: No regrets. This is what I wanted to do when I was a boy growing up. I love and enjoy this sport.
