Dick Cardenas etched his name deeper into Caymanas Park history on Saturday, September 27, 2025, when he secured his 800th win on Jamaican soil.
The milestone came over five furlongs straight, with the Byron Davis-trained Midnight Flight delivering a sharp final time of 59.3 seconds to win by 1½ lengths.
“I worked very hard for this,” Cardenas said, moments after the race. “It wasn’t easy to win 800 races. I’m very happy I could do it here at Caymanas Park.”
Cardenas’ journey began in 2008 with a longshot win aboard St Bess, trained by Percival Hussey, at odds of 19-1.
“This is my second home,” he added. “I met my wife here. I really like Jamaica. I never thought I’d win so many races here, and I’m grateful to the owners, trainers, grooms—everyone who supported me.”
But the weekend wasn’t done. On Sunday, September 28, Cardenas returned to the winner’s enclosure three more times, aboard Brompton Boy for Anthony Nunes, Hickory Slim for Donovan Phillipps, and SmartAsset for Oral Hayden.
That surge places him 10th on Caymanas Park’s all-time jockey winners list, a remarkable feat considering his two-year absence due to injury and extended periods riding overseas. Only nine riders have won more races locally: Winston “Fanna” Griffiths (1,663), Trevor “Slicer” Simpson (1,509), Shane “Canter Man” Ellis (1,369), Omar “Hot” Walker, Charles “Bogle Man” Hussey (1,239), Dane “Warrior Chief” Nelson (1,219), Andrew “Nanny Cartoon” Ramgeet (1,149), Emilio “Bimbo” Rodriquez (1,084), and Paul “Country” Francis (825).
Cardenas, who has over 300 wins in Panama and more than 100 in the United States, is now focused on one goal: 1,000 wins in Jamaica.
“I’ve passed 1,000 overall, but I want 1,000 here. That’s my milestone target,” he said, his voice firm with intent.
Among his many triumphs, one name stands above the rest—Mark My Word, the 2010 Triple Crown winner.
“I’ve ridden Classic winners, talented horses, but Mark My Word really stands out,” Cardenas reflected.
