A mix of destiny, arduous work, and willpower led apprentice jockey Romane Gordon to his maiden victory aboard James at Caymanas Park on Saturday, February 1, 2025.
Educated by seasoned conditioner Spencer Chung, James proved to be the right mount for Gordon because the pair cruised to a straightforward 3¾-length victory on the wire. The race was a Restricted Allowance III contest for native-bred five-year-old and upwards (non-winners of 4) and imported five-year-olds and upward (non-winners of three) over 6½ furlongs (1,300m).
MPRS Hyperlinks (Dane Dawkins) completed second and Huntsman (Rotajmar Weir) completed third. The ultimate time for the race was 1:21.1 (23.3 x 47.3 x 1:14.1).
The win was a testomony to Gordon’s development and improvement as a jockey, and marked a major milestone in his burgeoning profession.
Overcome with emotion, Gordon shared his ideas on the monumental achievement.
“It’s a really elated feeling, a really overwhelming feeling. I simply need to thank Mr Spencer Chung for believing in me and giving me the chance to trip James once more,” Gordon advised the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Information.
Gordon revealed that he had ridden James beforehand, however a poor begin had resulted in a fifth-place end. Nonetheless, with the steerage of champion jockey Raddesh Roman, who was initially slated to trip James however had two first-choice mount within the race, Gordon was in a position to redeem himself.
“I rode him [James] the primary time and I got here in fifth place. I blew that likelihood as a result of I broke him badly. To be trustworthy, Raddesh Roman was alleged to trip this horse however he was nominated on two horses with paper one [first choices] and ultimately I obtained the trip from Mr Chung.
“Roman instructed me from the day earlier than on the right way to trip James, and I’m grateful for his recommendation. I adopted his directions, and it paid off,” Gordon mentioned.
Gordon additionally expressed his gratitude to his household, notably his father, Everton Gordon, who has been a relentless supply of help and encouragement all through his profession.
“My household has a wealthy historical past in horse racing, with Garfield Gordon and Anthony Allen additionally concerned within the trade. I’m proud to be carrying on that custom. I additionally need to thank my father who believed in me to push me this far,” he mentioned.
Hailing from Spanish City, he has to commute to Caymanas Park, taking two automobiles to achieve his vacation spot. His dedication and perseverance had been evident as he spoke about his day by day routine.
“I’m one of many first apprentice jockeys to reach at work, getting right here earlier than 5:00 am. I’m dedicated to placing within the arduous work and dedication required to reach this sport,” Gordon mentioned.
Together with his maiden victory now below his belt, Gordon is raring to proceed pushing himself to be one of the best he may be. “I’m going to maintain working arduous and striving for greatness. I hope trainers will take discover of my expertise and provides me extra alternatives to trip,” he mentioned.
As Gordon celebrates this milestone achievement, the racing fraternity is abuzz with pleasure, desirous to see what the longer term holds for this gifted younger jockey. Together with his willpower, ardour, and pure means, Romane Gordon is definitely one to look at.
