KINGSTON, Jamaica - Three of the best jockeys to ever ride at Caymanas Park — Winston Griffiths, Emilio Rodriquez and George HoSang headline the awardees to be honoured at the 2019 Yearling Sale Triple Champions Awards Dinner, which is scheduled for November 7 at the AC Hotel at 6:30 pm.
This announcement was made at a press conference held at The Ocean 7 Restaurant, Victoria Pier, Kingston, on the Water-Front on Thursday last (October 24, 2019).
Griffiths is the all-time leading rider in Jamaica with 1,663 wins from 6,877 rides with earnings of $241,923,813. Rodriquez is sixth on the all-time list with 1,084 winners from 4,411 mounts and earnings of $33,203, while HoSang is 16th on the list with 642 winners from 2,149 rides and earnings of $9,414,225.
The dinner kicks off a carnival celebration as following the Awards Dinner on November 7, the Diamond Mile race days are scheduled for Friday, November 8 and Saturday, November 9 and then there is the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) Yearling Sale on Sunday, November 10. The Diamond Mile itself is set for the Saturday.
Speaking at a press conference to launch the dinner, Andrew Azar, representing the organising committee, said that this event is a step in the right direction to bring life back to the racing industry.
“When an event such as this is being held, it is good for the entire racing industry. Racing to me over the years has not only been about winning, losing, winning trophies or money, it has also been about friendship and camaraderie.
“Some of the best times in your life is spent with people you meet in racing and events like this help towards the goal of enhancing racing. It is not just about winning and losing races. It is much more than that.
“So, we thought that to add this event to the Carnival of Racing, which is the Friday and Saturday, concluding with the Yearling Sale on the Sunday, we are adding a little glitz, glamour, pomp and pageantry to our racing product.
“Three jockeys that will be honoured — Winston Griffiths, Emilio Rodriquez and George HoSang — represent the best of the best and these jockeys represent the golden era of racing in Jamaica. They are superstars in our sport.
“We must always try and remember the superstars and not forget them. We will be honouring them. We will be flying them down, will be giving them an award, a citation and have video presentations about their illustrious career.
“We believe that the champions of the past should never be forgotten, and their exploits should never be forgotten. We are so lucky in racing to have so many living legends with us today,” Azar offered.
Other awardees at the dinner include Jamaican trainers who have done well in North America – Laurie Silvera, Charlton Baker, Jose Pinchin, Rohan Crichton, Raymond Handal, Michael McDonald and Jason DaCosta.
Also to be honoured are the three last Triple Crown winners at Caymanas Park – Mark My Word (2010), She’s A Maneater (2017) and Supreme Soul (2019).
Guest speakers for the night are Mike Rogers, president of The Stronach Group’s Racing Division; Christopher Lush, senior vice-president of Technology and Broadcasting for Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) along with Tim Ritvo; Jose Zajia and chairman of the Betting Gaming and Lotteries Commission and the Jamaica Racing Commission, Clovis Metcalfe.
