Richie Shakes, Tajay Suckoo Leading The Way Among Apprentices

On Saturday, April 12, 2025, apprentice riders Tajay Suckoo and Richie Shakes made notable strides in their budding careers in horse racing, showcasing their talents in front of an enthusiastic audience.

Richie Shakes exhibited impressive control and confidence while riding The Hot Dancer, a horse trained by Fitznahum Williams. From the outset, Shakes established a commanding presence in the race, guiding The Hot Dancer smoothly down the five straight course. This victory added to Shakes' portfolio, bringing his total wins since in 2025 to nine according to the latest statistics. As a result of his consistent performance, he has ascended to seventh place in the standings among jockeys for the current season, reflecting his growing reputation in the field.

Tajay Suckoo also had a significant day at the racetrack, achieving the distinction of winning two races. His first victory came aboard Hansa in the Graded Stakes, more specifically, the Thornbird Stakes. This particular race is a critical preparatory event for the upcoming three-year-old Classics, making Suckoo's win particularly relevant for his career trajectory. With this success, he increased his yearly total to ten victories, which had an important implication for his weight allowance: he transitioned from a four-kilogramme allowance to three kilogrammes.

Suckoo then continued his success trail by guiding Fearless Force, trained by Philip Feanny, to a comfortable victory in the ninth race of the day. This win marked Suckoo's eleventh of the year, solidifying his position as a contender to watch. Currently, he sits sixth in the jockeys’ championship.

Both riders are emerging as promising talents in the racing circuit, evidenced by their performance on April 12. Their ability to secure wins in demanding races indicates their growing experience and skill, which will be vital as the racing season progresses and the stakes continue to rise.