QUESTION (Q) Tell us about yourself.
RUDDY JORDENE (RJ): I currently live in the community of Newlands in Portmore, St Catherine. I attended the Gregory Park All-Age School before attending Operation Friendship on Bell Road.
Q: How did you get involved with horse racing?
RJ: I got involved in the sport when I was a toddler growing up; attending Gregory Park All Age School was the starting point for me. The community is just walking distance from the racetrack, plus as long as you live in surrounding communities you are going to know about the game. I first went around with trainer Alvin Martin.
Q: When did you get your groom's licence?
RJ: I got my licence on May 13, 1983.
Q: Which horse was your first winner?
RJ: My first winner was with a horse by the name of Advocate, trained by Edward Hamilton. The feeling was very good for a young groom trying to make a name for himself in the game.
Q: Which horse is the best horse you have groomed?
RJ: Steve The Great, trained by Colin Ferguson, is the best horse I have groomed in my career; I won almost four straight with him. He was a good horse, and he was easy to groom.
Q: Which is the best horse you have seen race at Caymanas Park?
RJ: To me, the best horse was Legal Light, I mean, the record speaks for itself. He was that horse that usually weighed nine stone seven, which is 133
Q: What is your main goal, or what do you hope to achieve through racing?
RJ: One day, to win a Classic race. I have three two-year-olds who should do great next year. I want to win a couple of big races and collect some of those big cheques as well.
Q: Which trainer/jockey do you admire the most?
RJ: Trainer Philip Feanny and jockey Winston Griffiths.
Q: Do you have any regrets about choosing a profession in the racing industry?
RJ: No. I have no regrets. I have won over 60 races and so things have gone pretty well for me.
