Legendary Barbadian jockey Patrick Husbands has committed to establishing a jockey school on the island, an initiative aimed at developing the next generation of local riding talent.
The project which received the backing of Minister of Sport Charles Griffith has been described by Husbands as an opportunity to give back to Barbados though the sport brought him international success and lifelong fulfilment.
Husbands, the island’s most decorated jockey, said he is determined to use his experience and knowledge to create opportunities for young Barbadians interested in pursuing careers in horse racing.
The Canadian Hall of Fame rider amassed more than 3 700 victories during his career, establishing himself as one of the most respected jockeys in North America.
His achievements include multiple Woodbine titles, Sovereign Awards as Canada’s outstanding jockey, and several victories in the prestigious Barbados Gold Cup.
While meeting with Minister Griffith and his team at the Minister’s Sky Mall Haggatt Hall offices recently, Husbands revealed that several international personnel have already expressed an interest in ensuring the project becomes a reality, including legendary rider Frankie Dettori.
Minister Griffith welcomed the initiative, saying he looked forward to projects that see international athletes using their success and expertise to benefit their country and communities.
“The fact that Patrick is bringing his wide berth of skills with the intention of improving the lot of youngsters, is more than a positive.
“Sometime ago we had plans of putting a riding school together, but with Patrick’s reach, I think this bodes well for us going forward,” he said.
The minister also believes the school would be a plus for the island’s sports tourism product. “The fact that we would have a riding school on the island that can service the other islands in the Caribbean, I think is a major plug as it relates to sports tourism.”
Husbands revealed his motivation for setting up the riding school, saying it was always one of his goals after becoming successful.
“I am looking forward to giving back to Barbados, the wider Caribbean and Canada via the riding school,” he explained, while adding that he hoped it could also be utilised by persons with disabilities and those within the prison system.
Husbands believes riders coming out of the region would be well placed to assist in the running of the school.
“We have some good riders coming out of Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad, we even have riders coming out of Canada, and I would like to get these guys involved.”
Husbands envisions the best location for the school as in the countryside and Minister Griffith fully supports the plan. The minister added that there are hundreds of jobs on offer in the international racing industry which Barbadians can fill. He also praised Husbands “for leading the way”, stating that “there’s no doubt that hundreds of other Barbadians can follow in his footsteps.”
Since beginning his career in Canada in 1994, Husbands was awarded
Canada’s Sovereign Award (Top Jockey) on a record seven occasions, while in 2014 he was presented with the prestigious Avelino Gomez Memorial Award, for his significant contributions to Canadian racing.
He has also been inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2024, while earning more than US$180 million.
(KH)
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