Ramon Parish RAMON PARISH has an assured future.
The 21-year-old apprentice jockey made an impact in his first full season at Caymanas Park last year to finish third in the championship with 74 winners.
Having emerged as one of the star performers of last season, Ramon is looking forward to even bigger things in 2001.
"I would really like to win the jockeys title," said the past student of Jonathan Grant High. "But I expect the going to be tough and will have to work a lot harder this year if I hope to accomplish my goal."
Ramon served notice to his opponents on Saturday, January 6 when he rode the season's first triple, comprising 'Doctor on Call', 'Nick Of Time' and 'Medical Karamba'.
"Providing I continue to secure good rides, especially after I lose my claiming allowance, there is a real possibility of me winning the title. However, I am taking it one day at a time," explained the young jockey whose hallmark is a vigorous, aggressive style of riding.
Ramon says he enjoys riding winners on a regular basis. And one cannot help noticing his glee while returning to the circle aboard winning horses.
A product of the Jockeys' School, Ramon graduated in April 1999 and rode his first winner, 'Mr. Chips', on May 15 of that year. Significantly, 'Mr. Chips' was then owned by his father, Louis Parish, who has watched over Ramon's career in a positive way.
Every young jockey needs that guiding influence in order to avoid the pitfalls in racing.
Ramon, who rides at 50kg, places much emphasis on keeping fit. Being focused also helps tremendously in the competitive world of race riding. And that could be the key to attaining his goal this year.
