KINGSTON, Jamaica - Apprentice Richie Shakes couldn't contain his tears of joy on Saturday, December 29, 2024, after securing his first victory from his very first mount.
Shakes, a recent graduate of the Jockeys’ Training School, skillfully guided the Fitznahum Williams-trained horse, Benson, to triumph in the sixth race, which covered 5 ½ furlongs.
“This is the best day of my life, I don’t know what to say, I am overjoyed right now. This is a dream come true for me; to ride my first winner from my first competitive mount is out of this world. I am a happy man, I am so happy I can’t even describe it,” Shakes expressed in a post-race interview with Quickgallopja.com.
Reflecting on the race, Shakes commented on his advantageous position, saying that coming from the 13-draw made it much easier, as he encountered no traffic issues. He swirled around the outside and pulled away in the straight for a decisive seven-length victory.
“I have to thank trainer Williams and the connections of Benson for working and believing in me. I have been around trainer Williams for a while now, and he has assisted me so much,” remarked Shakes, whose riding weight is around 106 lbs.
As the young apprentice entered the winners’ enclosure, his joy was palpable. “Entering the winners’ enclosure for the first time was a moment of total joy for me. It had actually happened; I was a winner, and when I saw my family greeting me, especially my mother, I could not hold back the tears.
“My mother, who I owe everything in my life, was crying, and when I saw those tears of joy on her face, I could not hold back,” Shakes concluded.
