Apprentice Jason Simpson at Caymanas Park. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer WITH less than a year riding experience, the apprentice jockeys at Caymanas Park have impacted on fans to such an extent that they are widely regarded as the best to have emerged from the jockeys' school since its inception in 1981.
From the cream of the crop, five occupy places on the top ten list, including the stylish Jason Simpson who is joint fifth in the standings with 18 winners so far this season.
Popularly called 'Gary', Simpson - no relation to fellow apprentice Javour Simpson or five-time champion Trevor Simpson - has progressed along the right lines this season and looks to have an assured future if he sticks to the straight and narrow path.
On Saturday, he chalked up career win number 37 aboard the 4-5 favourite RUSH TO VICTORY in the eighth race over 2000 metres, and with over seven months of the season remaining, is eyeing the apprentice championship.
"The competition will be stiff as Javour and Omar Walker have been riding really well, especially Omar who has ridden seven winners in the last two racedays to be joint leader with Javour in the jockeys' standings with 26 winners.
"Both of them are on suspension and if I can make hay while the sun shines, should not be far behind when they return," said the 22-year-old apprentice who hails from Newlands in Portmore.
"I am confident in my ability to get the job done, but it will require getting live rides. Right now, I am happy with my riding but to have a chance, I will need to avoid injury and suspensions. With a little luck, it can be done."
Father figure
Jason is apprenticed to veteran trainer Vin Edwards whom he described as a father figure.
"He's very, very strict but I love the strictness as Mr. Edwards is only looking out for what is best for myself and his other apprentice, Carlton Malcolm. Both of us have done well under his guidance. He's the type of trainer who teaches us the value of professionalism and in the long run, this can only help us to become better jockeys."
A past student of Bridgeport Primary and Gregory Park All-Age schools, Simpson confessed that he aspired to become a jockey while still in school. His break came in the late 90s when trainer, Donald Andrade - a family friend - introduced him to Caymanas Park.
When the former jockey migrated to the United States, Simpson linked up with trainer Fernando Geddes before moving to the stables of trainer Anthony 'Baba' Nunes and finally Vin Edwards, who recommended him to the Jockeys' School.
The youngster credited two associates, 'Charlie' and 'Bassa' as the men who taught him the rudiments of riding.
Towards the end of his six-month course at the Jockeys' School in the first half of 2006, Simpson missed out on a golden opportunity to win a race aboard the front-running DESIRES OF THE SEA, who was caught on the wire by BAILAME in a special race for the Jockeys' School trainees.
"I went too far in front and my horse stopped under me," lamented Simpson, who confessed that he was so distraught with the loss that he cried after the race.
After graduating from the Jockeys' School along with 14 others in the summer of 2006, Simpson rode for the first time on July 29 and did not have long to wait for his first winner, LATIN KING, for trainer Ryan Darby.
One of his more memorable rides came aboard top weight EX-CLUSIVE RUNNER for champion trainer Wayne DaCosta in the $1 million CTL Imported Stakes over 1500 metres last September.
"The trainer took a chance by giving me the ride in order to claim 4.0kg and I showed my mettle, that early in my career, to win a big race. I grew in confidence after that ride an I still have a lot to learn at this stage, being a jockey is the best thing that could have happened to me," he said.
Back in February, however, he went through a rough patch following the untimely death of his 25-year-old sister, Tamara, in a motor vehicle accident in Portmore.
"It affected me so badly that for a period I could do nothing right in the saddle I miss her dearly, life goes on," he said in a sad tone.
High marks
Simpson, who rides from the convenient mark of 48.0kg, trains hard in order to keep in good physical shape, going to the gym regularly and working a number of horses for Edwards and other trainers at exercise every morning.
He relaxes by watching racing on the TVG cable channel and points to Corey Nakatani and Kent Desmormeaux as his favourite American jockeys. Locally, he admires former champion Hubert Bartley with Gary Richards (after whom he got the name Gary) not far behind.
Jason has ridden a number of winners for Vin Edwards, including WILD GLITZ and RICKAYBA, each on two occasions, as well as HEY TRAIN.
Edwards, the man who discovered a young Hubert Bartley many years ago, gave the youngster high marks: "In addition to being a good, crafty young rider, Jason has manners, which is very important and he listens to advice as well. He learns quickly and I expect him to blossom into one of our top riders at the end of his apprenticeship."
- Orville Clarke
