Anderson?Trotman is the champion jockey of the second racing season.
The youthful looking veteran with over 15 years experience finished with 19 winners, eight seconds, ten thirds and four fourths from 67 mounts which earned $312 650.
Trotman’s performance put him in the lead for the overall jockeys’ title.
His third success in the United Insurance Barbados Derby aboard the favourite Kendal Moon was the pinnacle of his season. His other Derby winners were Taalahornee in 1995 and Apostle in 2007.
Other victory highlights were winning his first ever BTBA Midsummer Creole Classic and the Val Gale Cup astride Kendal Moon and Apostle respectively; both races over 1 800 metres.
Trotman scored heaviest on the third day, winning five races with Kendal Moon, Lil Man Arran, Just Jiving, Tantal Eyes and Whataline; this was supported with five riding doubles and a triple.
He must now feel little pressure for the riding title as champion jockey Jalon Samuel has fallen out of favour with the powerful Blue Diamonds operation.
Defending champion jockey Samuel sits close to the leader in second position. He won 16 races, complemented by eight seconds, eight thirds and ten fourths from 62 rides for earnings of $221 279.
While Samuel has remained in touch with the leader it should be noted that only half of his winners have come from his previously contracted stable, thus showcasing trainers’ eagerness to utilize his skills.
Daga’s victories in the Ocala Breeders Sales Company Trophy and the Talkaboutlucky Handicap would easily rate high on his performance list along with Bounceback’s success in the BTC Board Of Directors Handicap, all races over 1 570 metres.
With the freedom to move all over, Samuel now has an ideal opportunity to make up ground on Trotman. He will, however, hope that the Blue Diamond winning numbers are down as this outfit was almost single handedly responsible for his championship success.
He enjoyed riding four winners on the first day, scoring with Missed Storm, Captain Sully, Quick City and Daga.
He also notched up two triples and three double strikes but still needs to work on his weight.
Antonio Perch lies in third position; the Brittons Hill lad who has always exhibited discipline, exuberance and dedication was rewarded with nine wins, eight seconds, 11 thirds and six fourth places from 56 mounts, earning $105 720.
One of the two most sought after apprentices, he has teamed up well with trainer Victor Cheeseman aboard the gelding Zaltarr who carved out a hat-trick taking the Midnight Tornado Handicap, the Foyal Handicap and the Grand Kadooment Handicap all over 1 100 metres.
He also fostered a good relationship with trainer Philip Batson as they recorded back-to-back success with Uneverno taking the Soca Royal Handicap and the Louis Seale and Company Limited Trophy Handicap Division B, both over 1 570 metres.
Perch recorded two riding doubles last season, first with Zaltarr and Vandross followed by Zaltarr and Tears Of The Sun.
Antonio Bishop rounds off the top four of the season. His statistics reads eight winners, four seconds, eight thirds and fourth place finishers from 56 mounts for earnings of $109 070.
Although fourth in the table, Bishop has been unable to separate himself from the junior riders. His major successes came on the first day when he piloted Zoom to victory in the Lost In The Fog Handicap and the eighth day astride stablemate Super Star in the BTBA Breeders’ Sprint Stakes & Trophy, both over 1 100 metres Bishop’s glory day was on Day 2 when he celebrated a triple strike landing with Glistening, Super Dancer and Fuh Real.
It would be remiss of me if I didn’t mention the find of the season – apprentice Antonio Whitehall.
Though not in the top four last season, he could very well make it to the final four by year end.
Easily the most impressive of all the apprentices, he has put himself in the limelight by simply getting the job done. The trainers are very aware of his potential and he has started by demonstrating production.
His seven winners earned him $82 801 and he has struck a good relationship with trainer Boston John as they combined to score with Queen of Hearts, Cameron Park and Indian Soul.
