KINGSTON, Jamaica - Emilio “Bimbo” Rodriquez, a former top-notch jockey at Caymanas Park and winner of one Jamaica St Leger Classic race says the keys for riders going into big races such as the Classics are the proper mindset along with proper preparation.
Rodriquez, the winner of 1,084 races from 4,411 mounts on local soil, rode his lone winner of the Jamaica St Leger in 1982 when he won aboard the Hart Investment Limited-owned and Philip Feanny-trained Séance.
“Well, the biggest race of them all is the Jamaica Derby, and so I was very excited to win that prestigious event. The Jamaica St Leger is a big, big race as well because it is a Classic and everybody wants to win Classic races. It was really a good feeling winning the Jamaica St Leger in 1982, as is winning any one of the races in the Triple Crown series. These Classic races highlight your career, and you are always remembered for being successful in these races,” Rodriquez said.
Going into big races such as the St Leger, Rodriquez indicated that it is a little bit more challenging and so riders should prepare themselves well.
“Well, you must prepare yourself well going into big races like the Classics. Physically and mentally, you have to be ready. Even to ride in any race at all that is not a Classic, you must prepare yourself well because there is little or no room for mistakes. Whether it is a big race or a small race or whatever type of race, you still have to prepare yourself.
“In big races, it is a little bit more challenging as you have all the top riders and horses in that race and so the competition will be tough,” Rodriquez said.
When asked to name the best horse he has ridden in the Classic races, Rodriquez said Lucky Ole Sun trained by Nigel Nunes.
“Well, everybody says it is Lucky Ole Sun. He was a nice horse with a lot of talent,” he said.
