Simpson By V. Lloyd Simpson, Contributor
TREVOR Simpson has given punters and others of the racing public a new interest in rivalry between our wielders of the pigskin, especially with Andrew Ramgeet out of action, due to injury.
The quality of his riding is so high that punters have been singing his praises since his return to local competition on Superday.
Since then, 'Slicer', as he is popularly called, has ridden 13 winners in only five racedays, culminating in a fabulous five-timer Wednesday last and a four-timer on Saturday.
From all indications, racing fans would like Simpson to stay and ride fulltime in Jamaica, as in a short space of time, he has taken on the mantle of the people's champion with skill and, particularly, fairplay: and is really providing a treat for turfites.
Since leaving Jamaica four years ago, to ply his trade in the United States, Simpson has been transformed into a highly professional jockey. This was clearly demonstrated in his ride aboard Alexdimaster on Wednesday, when he summoned all the skills at his disposal to bring home the American-bred colt in a driving finish from triple-crown winner I'm Satisfied ridden by leading alltime jockey Winston Griffiths.
With Ramgeet unfortunately sidelined with a broken collar bone, resulting from a spill on November 18, Simpson could not have entered the scene at a more appropriate time. His presence will ensure that the standard set by Ramgeet is maintained.
In addition, the vast improvement shown by apprentice Ramon Parish augurs well for the future. He has the potential to become a champion jockey in the mold of Ramgeet, Wesley Henry, and of course Simpson, all products of the jockeys school.
My hope for next year, is to see Ramgeet, Henry, Simpson, Parish, Ellis, Hussey, along with Griffiths and even Rodriques in action at Caymanas Park on a regular basis. What a treat that would be for turfites.
Meanwhile, trainer Richard Todd has apparently taken over the mantle from Robert Darby as the 'claiming king.'
Of late, Todd can do nothing wrong: and this was demonstrated by his four-timer a fortnight ago.
In fact, hardly a day passes that Todd does not saddle a winner. As a result, he is second only to champion trainer designate Philip Feanny in the number of winners saddled.
As of Saturday's racemeet Feanny has saddled 80 winners and Todd 49 winners.
