Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer
Griffiths
Leading all-time jockey Winston 'Fanna' Griffiths is contemplating retirement and the decision could come by the end of the year.
Easily the most accomplished rider in the history of local racing, Griffiths, who turns 49 on September 18, has seen and done it all in a long and distinguished career spanning 32 years.
However, he has been riding rather infrequently in the past year or so, and seems at a crossroads in his career now.
Booed by the crowd
Significantly, he has ridden six winners from only 25 rides so far this season, including THE BOMBER in the June 2 Digicel Jamaica Derby - his 11th winner of the premier classic from a world record tally of 42 classic wins.
As a result of his wire-to-wire Derby win, THE BOMBER was installed a 4-5 favourite to win the season's final classic, the Jamaica St. Leger last Saturday only to be caught and beaten by highly fancied RUM TALK with veteran jockey Charles Hussey aboard.
Griffiths was unjustifiably booed by a section of the crowd on his way to the paddock aboard THE BOMBER, and looking at him trying to keep a straight face amid the disrespect, must have been saying to himself 'I don't deserve this'.
That aside, Griffiths confessed that he has been considering retirement of late.
"I'm getting on in age now and the body is not as responsive as it was five years ago. I have a lot to be thankful for and can look back with pride on my accomplishments. But the motivation is not as strong these days and, while I would life to reach the milestone of 1,600 winners, it might not be possible in the long run", explained the five-time champion jockey who, to date, has ridden 1,562 winners at Caymanas Park.
LEADING ALL-TIME JOCKEY
Griffiths is, in fact, the English-speaking-Caribbean's leading all-time jockey. He was the first local racing personnel to notch 1,000 winners, this aboard EROS on Saturday, November 13, 1993 in the Red Stripe Caribbean Sprint championship.
In 1992, Griffiths teamed up with many-time champion trainer Philip Feanny to win all five classic races. He won the Triple Crown aboard MILLIGRAM and the 1000 Guineas and Oaks aboard the filly CLASSIQUE, an unprecedented feat.
During his career, 'Fanna' has been associated with some truly outstanding horses, including many-time champion sprinter EROS, three-time 'Horse of the Year' THE VICEROY, the legendary LEGAL LIGHT, the 1986 Derby winner PRINCE CONSORT, the 2000 Triple Crown winner I'MSATISFIED, the 2003 'Horse of the Year' A KING IS BORN and, of course, ROYAL DAD who, in 1981. had the distinction of being the first Triple Crown winner at Caymanas Park.
Griffiths holds the National Honour, the Order of Jamaica (O.D.) and is also the recipient of the coveted None Such award. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame of thoroughbred racing in 2002.
