Close friend of renowned jockey Trevor McKenzie, who sadly passed away today at age 76, Michael Marlowe remembers him as an extraordinary talent and a true professional in the horse racing industry in Jamaica.
“I met Trevor when I was about seven or eight years old,” Marlowe recalled.
“I remember him shouting at me, ‘Bwoy, go bathe, I’ll be back for you,’ and then he would take me to the State Theatre or Carib to watch movies.”
Marlowe firmly believes that McKenzie was an exceptional jockey who shone brightly on the track.
“Trevor was the first to win the jockeys’ title in Jamaica at just 16, and he did it again at 17. That speaks volumes about his talent; he was truly top-notch, he was from the top drawer, the very top,” Marlowe emphasised.
When Trevor moved to the United States, he lived at the start with Marlowe and his family, further strengthening their friendship.
“Then, I was working as an assistant trainer with Nick Zito, and Trevor exercised horses alongside greats like Angel Cordero.
“He once told me, ‘Mickey, when I was in Jamaica, I could just help myself. Now, I have a clock in my head, and it’s working,’” Marlowe shared.
Marlowe explained that having a mental clock was crucial in their field, as trainers would often instruct exercise riders to complete specific times. “’Give me a 48.0 on this on, or give me a minitue on this one,” the trainers would say.”
“Trevor picked up on that concept quickly and became one of the leading exercise riders for the Zito camp.”
“This is truly a sad day for me. I have lost a very close friend. Our friendship was built and nourished over so many years, through thick and thin. Go in eternal peace, Trevor; your time may be done, but your memories will live on forever,” Marlowe concluded.
