THE RECENT SWIRL OF CHANGES AMONG THE JOCKEYS

KINGSTON, Jamaica – There is what can be termed as a seismic shift in the relationships between jockeys and trainers at Caymanas Park.

The long-established protocol of the top jockeys being attached to the top barns, venturing out only when there is a fit outside of their main stables, has changed in recent times.

Let’s examine some of the main changes.

There is little doubt that champion jockey Anthony Thomas is attached to leading trainer Jason DaCosta having segued from Jason’s dad Wayne. During Thomas’s association with Wayne DaCosta and now Jason, he has been totally dedicated to the stable.

While Thomas still has a strong connection with the DaCosta shedrow, he is now doing the unheard of, riding regularly for champion Anthony Nunes.

Then there is the case of Robert Halledeen. Halledeen before his sojourn at Thistledown in Ohio, USA, was firmly attached to Nunes’ operations. Before his departure to Ohio in mid 2022, Halledeen was the main reinsman for the Nunes camp, sharing duties with Tevin Foster.  It was Halledeen, at the backend of last season, who teamed with Nunes for the latter to stage a sensational burst leading to the retention of his championship title.

Since Halledeen has returned, his mainstay stables is now that of Jason DaCosta. The reason for the Halledeen shift is easily explained, as DaCosta was the main provider of winning rides for Halledeen while in Ohio.

When the Overnight program came out yesterday (Tues, Nov 1, 2022) for Saturday (Nov 5), one couldn’t help but notice leading rider Dane Dawkins declared to ride She’s Myheadgefund for DaCosta. Dawkins is part of the Gary Subratie, Ian Parsard, Patrick Lynch, and sometimes Richard Azan set-up. This writer cannot remember when and if Dawkins has ever ridden for either Wayne or Jason DaCosta, while his entrance to the Jason DaCosta stables must be a plus for the young rider.

Dawkins riding for Jason DaCosta, even if there is a change when the final program is put out later today, is representative of a new and exciting order at Caymanas Park.

AND WHAT OF THE OTHERS?

Six-time champion Omar Walker is completely unattached at present. After his long and successful association with Wayne DaCosta, Walker is now bouncing around.

Raddesh Roman after piloting the Patrick Lynch-trained Blue Vinyl to victory in the 2000 Guineas and the St Leger seems to have fallen completely out favour with Lynch.

Reyan Lewis is the hot jock at the moment. He is able to command rides from all the major barns, inclusive of Nunes, DaCosta, Lynch, Parsard, and Subratie.

Racing fans are in for some interesting times.