By Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer
Trainer Vincent Edwards (centre) poses with his apprentice riders Phillip Clunis (left) and Phillip Parchment, at the November 26 Graduation of apprentices from the Jockeys School.
VETERAN TRAINER Vin Edwards is pleased with the progress of his apprentice riders, Phillip Clunis and Phillip Parchment - both of whom rode doubles recently.
Edwards, who has had a long association with racing at Caymanas Park not only as a trainer, but also as owner and breeder, said the two follow a long line of young riders who have come under his influence since he obtained a trainer's licence in 1975.
The others include Larris Allen, Leroy Brown, Kenroy Leiba, Orville Beckford and Hubert "Chinna" Bartley who was the most successful.
EDWARDS' PROTÉGÉ
Bartley, who not only became Edwards' protégé but also his son-in-law, was champion jockey in 1982, 1986 and 1991 before weight problems derailed his career.
A former Member of Parliament, Edwards admits that neither Clunis nor Parchment is a natural like Bartley, but was quick to point out that both have shown a capacity to listen and learn. He said one is more skilful, the other more intelligent but he would not say which is which.
"They also have respect for their elders and are honest youngsters", emphasised the trainer. "These qualities, more than anything, should help them to go far in racing", said the outspoken vice-president of the Trainers' Association.
According to Edwards, both Clunis and Parchment have been with him since leaving school and initially worked as stable lads learning the ropes within the confines of the stables.
Edwards eventually taught them the rudiments of riding and they were on their way. He recommended both to the Jockeys' School early last year and they were accepted. However, as a member of the selection committee, Edwards said he abstained from the decision-making process so as not to be accused of double standard.
SUBSTITUTE FATHER
Edwards has been a substitute father to both boys since they graduated from the school last November.
"I have seen many promising young riders fall by the wayside because of bad company", he recalled. "The first thing I did was warn them about bad influences. The godfather mentality is rife among jockeys, so I told them to make nobody own them because that would be the beginning of the end".
Emphasising that young and impressionable riders need proper guidance in the cynical world of racing, Edwards said one of the youngsters went as far as offering him $2,000 out of gratitude recently, but he refused to take the money.
"I told him that seeing him become better and better in the saddle is enough reward for me and he laughed".
Edwards says that Clunis and Parchment have come to realise that good jockeys are not only a race-day commodity.
"They have to develop the positive aspects of riding from the exercise track. Each morning they work a lot of horses for me, and this ensures that they keep fit".
He recalled that in former years he used to insist that Bartley scrub the floor until he sweated profusely in an effort to get him to ride flat. This, he said, helped him to ride over 700 winners and to win three championships.
As for Edwards, back in the mid-80s he established himself as one of the finest trainers at Caymanas Park - thanks to horses such as the crack imported sprinter DYE JOB, who was 'Horse of the Year' in 1985, top stayer COUNTRY ACT, The 1000 Guineas winners LIZER, and WHO'S THAT GIRL as well as the 1986 Gold Cup winner SECRET, who was unbeaten in two starts before retiring to stud.
He capped the 'Most Improved Trainer' award in 1986 - a period during which his patrons included Skengdon and the late Boogie Wonderland.
VOCAL ADVOCATES
Over the past 10 years or so, Edwards, who trains basically for himself or his wife Monica, has not enjoyed nothing near that level of success. He is not perturbed, however, as he has become one of the most vocal advocates for improved conditions and greater benefits (like increased purses) for racing personnel.
The result is that he is seen in some quarters as a disruptive force in racing - a "dinosaur" according to some. That, however, bother Edwards who says he can stand on his record of trying to better the lot of others in the profession.
"They can call be dinosaur all they want - so long as they don't call be Judas", said the 68-year-old trainer.
