AllenLARRIS ALLEN, who recently rode three winners in Barbados, says the respect he is accorded in that country is something to behold.
The 27-year-old jockey, who returned home two weeks ago following his third stint in the Caribbean island, said Jamaican jockeys are revered in that country to the extent that one of our own, Ricardo Hibbert, is on the verge of becoming champion jockey for 2002.
Allen journeyed to Barbados in mid-October on the invitation of former Barbados senator and top owner, Sir Charles O. Williams whose 3-y-o filly, FOXY LADY, was among his trio of winners.
The brash lightweight also booted home BAILAMOS for another prominent owner, Elias Haloute as well as a two-year-old filly, BRISK ENTRY.
Allen, who is popularly called 'Amigo' owing to his ability to handle wayward or highly strung horses, says the working environment at the Garrison Savannah racetrack is pretty cordial.
"Trainers, owners and fellow jockeys treat me respectfully and although the standard of racing in Jamaica is much higher and I would never leave to ride full time in Barbados, the experience of riding in another country can only make me a better jockey", he said.
No sooner had Allen returned home, he was back in the winners' enclosure at Caymanas Park on November 8 aboard ACTION. That marked his 101st career win locally and last Saturday he added another to that tally after booting home 4-1 chance UNWANTED in the closing race over the circular nine course.
Allen says he's looking forward to his best season next year, as he is mentally and physically ready to figure in the jockeys' championship.
Prior to leaving for Barbados, Allen enjoyed a golden run in September, during which he rode six winners. It was indeed a September to remember as his winners included LITTLE PALIUM (twice), OK DON, JUICE and SUCKIE YACKIE.
'Amigo' confessed that he is a better jockey now than at the beginning of the year. He says there was a time early in the season when leading jockey Trevor Simpson would beat him constantly in some close finishes. But that was then.
"The big man jockey (Simpson) used to take a set pon me," he recalls. "So I decided to visit the gym on a regular basis in order to build up my strength and this has helped my riding to a great extent".
Allen says he owes his development as a jockey to veteran lightweight Robert Reid. He credits 'Collie' Reid with teaching him the tricks also encouraging him to have a disciplined approach to racing as well.
"Months after leaving the Jockeys' School I was still unsure of myself in the saddle. But Reid took me in hand like a father and taught me all about race riding... things like how to judge pace, how to change the whip effectively and how to balance my mount in the homestretch..."
Another person who has had a positive effect on the youngster is trainer Vin Edwards, the outspoken vice-president of the Racehorse Trainers Association.
He said Edwards was instrumental in paving the way for his entry to the Jockeys' School.
"Apart from that, Mr. Edwards showed me all the ropes of racing... the good, the bad and the indifferent. He also taught me to respect other professionals in the sport otherwise this would lead to conflict.
Born and raised in Central Village, Allen who attended Gregory Park All-Age and Jonathan Grant High in Spanish Town, was introduced to racing by his brother, a former groom. He started as a stable lad with trainer Noel Freeman in the mid-90s before moving to Vin Edwards.
- O.C.
