Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer

Harriston Lewis rides LUMIERE into the winner's enclosure after winning the third race at Caymanas Park last week Wednesday. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

The pastweek was one of mixed fortunes for the in-form apprentice Harriston Lewis.

On Tuesday he was slapped with a five-day suspension by the Stewards for improper conduct. And the very next day he chalked up his first three-timer at Caymanas Park comprising LUMIERE, SUPER NATURAL and NASATOL in the open allowance sprint.

Due to indiscretion on his part, Lewis picked up the five-day ban and $5,000 fine after he was summoned to an inquiry at the Winchester Road offices of the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) a week ago.

He was cited for ungentlemanly conduct while addressing the JRC welfare officer, Ina Lawrence, who oversees the apprentice riders.

This took place in the welfare office at the track on Thursday, March 1 and was sparked by Lewis' failure to attend monthly church service at Caymanas Park, a requirement for all apprentice riders on the last Sunday of each month.

His explanation was not accepted by Lawrence and according to the 21-year-old apprentice, he became upset and said some things he shouldn't have said, some of which was perceived as a threat.

He was initially stood down by Lawrence on Saturday, March 3, and missed out on a winning ride aboard NASATOL in the Wayne DaCosta Trophy race over 1100 metres as a result.

Lewis says he would like to take this opportunity to apologise to Ms. Lawrence.

"I'm really sorry for the way I acted and would like to put this behind me as quickly as possible I won't resume riding until April 14, I will continue to work horses at exercise every morning and train hard to maintain my fitness level," said Lewis, who has so far ridden 23 winners, 10 of these coming this season.

As a result he holds down seventh position on the top 10 list.

Continuing, Lewis said: "I am looking forward to a speedy return to the saddle for my goal is to become the champion apprentice this year. I have every confidence in my ability and so long as I get the rides, the winners will come."

Used to skip classes

A past student of Waterford High, Lewis recalls that he was very much interested in racing while in school and from time to time, used to skip classes on Wednesdays to be at the races. It was therefore not surprising that he decided to become a jockey.

Popularly called 'Skalawa', Lewis got his break as an exercise rider with the late trainer George Kinghorne. And when Kinghorne migrated to Florida, he linked up with trainer Richie Todd before moving to trainer Desmond Shand who recommended him to the Jockeys' School.

Following an intensive six-month training course from January to June last year, Lewis graduated from the school along with 14 others. He rode for the first time on Saturday, July 29 and three weeks later, notched his first winner. It was the 19-1 outsider CRUSADER'S RALLY for trainer Garrett Arscott in the closing 1200-metre race on the card.

As the months progressed, Lewis was overshadowed by his more advanced batchmates Carlton Malcolm, Andre Martin and Javour and Jason Simpson, but gradually got the hang of things. Today, it could be said he has made a quiet impact.

He lists NASATOL and MYLEGACY as the two best horses he has ridden, while his mentors on the track are 'Hall of Fame' jockeys Winston 'Fanna' Griffiths and Charles Hussey. His favourite overseas jockey is Corey Nakatani who rides on the California circuit.

Lewis is the father of a one-year-old daughter.