Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer
CRAWFORD
VETERAN TRAINER Fitz Crawford died from heart failure at his Newlands home in Portmore last Sunday night. He was 76.
Crawford, who has been training since the late 60s, survived a heart attack four years ago and this forced him into retirement after a long and distinguished career during which he saddled 189 winners.
Among his best known horses are CHIEF PRINCE, PRIMA BALLERINA, CANADIAN PRINCE, COUNT MONTROSE, PICANTE, FIND THE KEY and PRINCE MIKE who in 1989 started favourite for the 2000 Guineas with five-time champion Winston Griffiths aboard, but was beaten by Philip Feanny's THE VICEROY who Griffiths deserted to ride PRINCE MIKE for owner Richard Azan.
Azan was assistant trainer to Crawford in the initial stages of his career, so too was trainer Paul Campbell.
Quiet and unassuming, Crawford was also the apprentice master to subsequent four-time champion jockey Emilio 'Bimbo' Rodriquez and also veteran Neville Anderson in the late 60s and early 70s.
On November 29, 2003, Crawford made a rare public appearance at Caymanas Park when he was one of three veterans honoured by the Jamaica Racehorse Trainers' Association at its annual race meet.
Crawford is survived by his common law wife and five children, including a son, Gary, who followed him into the training ranks at Caymanas Park in recent years, but is now residing in Britain.
Reacting to news of his death, the Jamaica Racehorse Trainers' Association through its president Vin Edwards extended profound condolences to his family.
