KINGSTON, Jamaica - At age 61 and with only 12 winners to his name, jockey Edward Jackson said that retiring from the sport of horse racing now is not an option as the veteran rider said that his aim is to get more rides and hopefully, win more races.
“Retiring…that’s not on the table right now. If my body is healthy and fit, I will continue to ride if possible. Now, I feel great in my body and I am riding well. The plan, however, is to try and get some rides and I mean some good rides, so that I can win some races.
“Winning 12 races is not what every rider would hope for but I am grateful and I just want to do better. I have no regrets coming into the game and I am committed to what I am doing. In addition to my 12 winners at Caymanas Park, I won one race in Barbados,” Jackson said.
Jackson, who grew up and lives in Maryland, St Andrew, shared how he got into the racing industry.
“I was always into the sport from a tender age, but it was an owner by the name of Mr Jackson who brought me into racing. He was the one who encouraged and supported me. I eventually got my jockey’s licence in... I think it was in 2000.
“My first winner was aboard a horse by the name of Noble Chief. I had finished in second place and the winner of the race was disqualified and I was awarded first place. The feeling was good at the time. The best horse I have ridden was Bold Regency. I never worked that horse and I got the ride and won,” Jackson recalled.
He added: “The best horse I have seen raced at Caymanas Park was Eros. The record can speak for itself.”
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Jackson got his licence in the year 2000, that's 21 years ago when Jackson was 40. How could he acquire a jockey's licence at that age!? In addition, that's 21 years of race riding, and all he can show for it twelve (12) winners??!! Needless I say no more.......!!
New to retire
he said he got his license to ride in 2000.that means he started riding at age 39 plus,is he the oldest rider now over dolly baby (ian spence) some body out there for an answer..please
colin blair this a great interview to pursue,i did not know of this rider,we are the same age and he is flying under the radar all this time.david mc kenzie has retired at 70 plus,ian spence is still active at 56,so mr jackson is currently the oldest active jockey now.trainers please some horses of merit for dada J.