Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer

Apprentice Carlton Malcolm aboard the 3-5 favourite Malika after her runaway victory in the ninth race for the Earl Adams Memorial Trophy, at Caymanas Park on Saturday. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

Jockeys' School graduate, Carlton Malcolm, had the distinction of becoming the first apprentice from the current batch to notch a triple (on Saturday), then said this is the first of many milestones he hopes to accomplish at Caymanas Park.

Popularly called 'Little Big Man', Malcolm, who celebrated his 27th birthday yesterday, is also eyeing the champion apprentice title. His long-term goal is to be crowned champion jockey.

To win the apprentice championship, the promising lightweight rider must first repel a strong challenge from fellow graduate, Javour Simpson, in the closing weeks of the season.

Malcolm's three-timer pushed his season's tally to 19, only one ahead of Simpson who rode two winners, including the 99-1 outsider TRACK STAR in the fourth race.

Both, along with Jason Simpson, have impressed racing fans with their style of riding since graduating from the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) Jockeys' School in July following an extensive six-month course.

Malcolm and the Simpsons stand out

The batch comprising 15 started riding on Saturday, July 29, and with just over four months of race-riding experience, Malcolm and the Simpsons are indeed the stand-outs. Significantly, Malcolm and Jason Simpson are both apprenticed to Jamaica Racehorse Trainers' Association (JRTA) president Vin Edwards, who was instrumental in getting them enrolled in the jockeys' school on his recommendation.

Malcolm, whose three-timer comprised ALL FIRED UP for trainer Richie Todd, SANTA ANITA GIRL for Gary Subratie and MALIKA for 14-time champion Philip Feanny, said he had been looking forward to riding a triple before the end of the season and being the first to do so (from his batch) gave him a great feeling.

"I have worked hard to achieve this and right now I am pleased with my progress," said the lightweight rider who is now in demand.

"I have learnt a lot compared to when I started in July, but I still have a lot more to learn. I enjoy riding winners and am grateful to the people who have assisted in my development. People like riding instructor Venice Richards, the retired champion jockey from Barbados; Welfare officer Ina Lawrence and Mr. Edwards (Vin), who is a strict teacher," added the 3.0kg claiming rider who rode his first winner, ROYAL SPEED, on August 26.

Continuing, Malcolm said he aims to carry through the momentum to next year, for the real test will come when he relinquishes his apprentice claming allowance. He is also mindful of the pitfalls that have engulfed many promising apprentices at Caymanas Park in the past, including greed, drug abuse and running around with the wrong crowd.

Lightest graduate

A past student of Spanish Town Comprehensive, Malcolm, who tips the scales at a mere 45.5 kg and is in fact the lightest of all the graduates, looked to Caymanas Park when faced with career options on leaving school in 1997.

He started out with trainer Gresford 'Greasy' Smith as an exercise rider before moving to Vin Edwards who gave him his big break.

Having stepped into the Top 10 list of riders for the season, Malcolm, who is often compared to fellow lightweight Wesley 'Callaloo' Henry because of his small size, plans to remain there if all goes according to the script. He was born and raised in Spanish Town and hails from a large family which includes four brothers and five sisters.

Malcolm, who lists Henry and Hubert Bartley as his favourite riders locally, enjoys playing football and listening to music.

Given his professional approach to racing from this early stage, he looks to have a bright future.