KINGSTON, Jamaica - Thoroughbred conditioner Patrick “Wacky” Lynch doesn’t get caught up in the conundrum of wins and losses. His main focus has always been hard work and dedication, with the aim of making a meaningful impact on the sport of horse racing in Jamaica.
On Saturday, September 3, 2022, Lynch continued on his stated path when he saddled his 400th-career winner (Joyful), but in keeping with the focus that has seen him become one of the prominent conditioners at Caymanas Park, he was already plotting to fashion more notable accomplishments.
“The work doesn’t stop here at 400 winners as I am committed to my profession and will continue to do the necessary hard work to reap success. Success only comes with hard work and I am dedicated,” Lynch said.
Lynch achieved his landmark in the day’s fifth race with four-year-old chestnut filly Joyful, ridden by current leading jockey Dane Dawkins. Joyful won by nine lengths ahead of stablemate Sure Curlin in a native-bred, four-year-olds and upwards (non-winners of two) and also for imported four-year-olds and upwards (maidens) at five-and-a-half furlongs (1,100m).
Lynch became the 25th trainer in the history of racing at Caymanas Park to saddle 400 or more winners. The late Wayne DaCosta leads the conditioners with 2,290 winners ahead of Philip Feanny (2,074 wins) and Anthony Nunes (1,230 wins).
Like many others, ‘Wacky’ started his 25-year association in the racing industry as a jockey. Then after he shifted his tack to training horses. During his time conditioning thoroughbreds, Lynch has accomplished many memorable moments. In 2007, Lynch’s career took off when his charge The Bomber, under the guidance of legendary Winston “Fanna” Griffiths, made one move to win the Jamaica Derby over 12 furlongs, the first Classic win of his career.
Ten years later, on December 26, 2017, Lynch joined an elite group of trainers to saddle five winners on the same race programme. His winners were Dinner By Seven, Dwayne Star, Drone Strike, Peyton’s Delight, and Red Dread.
It didn’t stop there as Lynch captured two of the five Classic events in 2018 after winning the 1000 Guineas with Disability Charm and the Jamaica Derby with Drone Strike.
This year, Lynch captured two of the five Classic races and was in search of Triple Crown glory after Blue Vinyl won the 2000 Guineas and the Jamaica St Leger but lost out at the final hurdle when Atomica beat Blue Vinyl in the Derby. The exploits of Blue Vinyl gave Lynch victories in all five of the Classic races. In addition, to his Classic successes, Lynch also trained the top-class campaigner Another Bullet, winner of the Caribbean Sprint Championship (6-furlongs).
“There have been some really memorable moments during my career. The Guineas races, Derby races, and the St Leger are all great achievements. The best horse that I have trained so far is Blue Vinyl. Overall, my career has been good, I have had many achievements but there is still work to be done,” Lynch ended.
