Robert Wedderburn, the 2007 Champion Groom, was recognised by CTL with a race in his honour at Caymanas Park, on Saturday. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

Last year Robert Wedderburn realised his dream of emerging the champion groom at Caymanas Park, a fitting reward for his hard work and dedication during the past 31 years.

Wedderburn proudly accepted his award from CTL director and deputy mayor of Kingston, Lee Clarke, at the 19th annual None Such/Horse of the Year awards dinner at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on the night of Thursday, February 7.

"It feels very good to know that I have achieved all this in racing, but there is still more to come," said the 51-year-old father of six.

Wedderburn, who is attached to the stables of Most Improved Trainer Neive Graham, capped the champion groom award with 14 wins, including PURE JUSTICE, CAPTAIN BONE, WINDJAMMER, UGOTTABELIEVE and the three-year-old colt RUMOUR HAS IT, who, ironically, died at exercise on the morning of February 7, the same day Wedderburn got the award.

Having won five races from 19 starts and $1.7 million in stakes last year, RUMOUR HAS IT was a money spinner for Wedderburn and he deeply regrets losing the son of Outrigger.

"When you lose good horses it is always hard to take, but you have to keep hoping that another good one is just around the corner and I'm keeping my fingers crossed," he said.

Wedderburn is no stranger to good horses. In 1997 he hit the jackpot with MR LOVER LOVER who not only won the Jamaica Derby with Hubert Bartley up, but the Trinidad Derby as well.

The Royal Oak Derby was an unforgettable experience for Wedderburn, who accompanied the horse and trainer Adin 'Dreddie' Williams to Trinidad and Tobago.

Memorable win

MR. LOVER LOVER also won the prestigious Toyota Cup as a two-year-old on Boxing Day of 1996, another memorable win for the groom.

While working as a groom with 'Dreddie', Wedderburn was associated with some good horses, including the 1996 Oaks winner ONE DRAW, NIMROD, NOBLE DECREE and the imported horse REVIEWING.

A veteran in his craft, Wedderburn, who hails from Hanover, got his start in 1977 with trainer Ernest Hayden before moving to the stables of the late Valbert Marlowe where he stayed for 12 years. By the time he left Marlowe in the early '90s, Wedderburn had established himself as one of the top grooms at Caymanas Park. He also did a stint with the legendary trainer Allan 'Billy' Williams.

Trainer Neive Graham describes Wedderburn as one of the most dedicated grooms in racing and says his award was well deserved.

"He has served me very well and with plans on the drawing board to expand my stables this year, he will be an invaluable member of my team. Nothing beats a good groom and Robert is the best," emphasised the trainer.

In recognition of his achievement (champion groom), CTL ran a race in his honour on Saturday's 12-race programme at Caymanas Park. The fifth race for the Robert Wedderburn Trophy, Restricted Allowance V for five-year-olds and up over 1200 metres, was won by 6-1 shot OK BABY in a blanket finish.

Wedderburn not only presented the trophy to the connections of the winning horse but later in the afternoon was presented with a bicycle by CTL in recognition of his achievements.

- Orville Clarke