Lionel Town’s finest, Richie Shakes and Tajay Suckoo, stamped their authority on last weekend’s racing at Caymanas Park, combining for six victories across the two race days.
Both riders share deep roots in Lionel Town, Clarendon, where they grew up, went to school, and nurtured their early ambitions.
In 2024, they enrolled in the Jamaica Racing Commission’s Jockeys’ School, graduating in December.
Their talent quickly attracted trainers, and by their first full season in 2025, Shakes had finished sixth in the championship with 36 wins, while Suckoo, despite injury setbacks, secured tenth with 19 wins.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28
The weekend began dramatically when Shakes guided Always Wright to the line first, only to be disqualified, handing victory to favourite Wilson.
Suckoo then ignited a triple success with a bold 15-1 triumph aboard The Soul Warrior.
Shakes rebounded with composure, producing arguably the ride of the day when Boss Lady Janet surged late at odds of 28-1.
Suckoo added his second win in race seven with Another Wow, before sealing his treble in the Alan Williams Memorial Trophy on Florindia, returning from a break under Anthony Nunes’s care for the first time.
By day’s end, Suckoo had three wins to his name, while Shakes tallied one plus an unfortunate disqualification.
SUNDAY, MARCH 1
The Lionel Town success continued. Shakes struck first in the opener with Hit N Run for Norman Smith, while Suckoo closed the weekend in style aboard She’s That Girl, trained by Steven Todd.
As of March 1, Suckoo sits fifth in the jockeys’ championship with seven wins, while Shakes holds ninth with four.
From the streets of Clarendon to Caymanas Park’s winners’ circle, Lionel Town’s sons without doubt are writing their own chapter in racing history.
