Rickey Walcott is now a two-time Barbados champion jockey.
The Brittons Hill native repelled his challenger Rasheed Hughes on Boxing Day as he electrified racing enthusiasts with a hat-trick.
Before a large crowd at the Garrison Savannah, Walcott displayed impeccable judgment as he put the matter to rest. Leading Hughes 27-26 at the start of Diamonds International/Crown of Light Boxing Day at the Races Racecard, Walcott won race three (the Boxing Day Juvenile Open Condition Race) with Inspired Adventure.
This was followed by wins in race four (the 1 800 metres Diamonds International / Vena D’ Amore Handicap astride Zip Code, before sealing the deal on Stealin in race five (the Boxing Day Nursery Trophy Allotted Weights). Both races three and five were contested over 1 570 metres.
As a horseman, Walcott rose above all challenges as those wins helped to move his year’s earnings to $472 258 with 30 wins from 117 mounts; achieving a 26 wins percentage. He also recorded another hat-trick on day three of the season, winning astride Watch That Birdie, Stealin and Forsaken One.
Walcott’s most memorable rides this year were with Wild Cat Tea, which won the Grade I Sandy Lane Spa Sprint over 1 100 metres, and a Grade I Barbados Guineas victory astride Fleurette. His third-season returns were 10 wins with earnings of $137 962.
Hughes, the defending champion, put up a fight but was relegated to the runners-up position with earnings of $430 735 through 28 wins along with a win percentage of 18.5 from 151 rides. He found his momentum late on the final day’s card with a brace starting in race six with Ameash followed by success in the penultimate race, number nine, with Danny Boy.Â
Between those wins, he went agonisingly close when Miss Megyn finished second before suffering a major letdown with raging favourite Infrared in the featured Diamond International / Crown Of Light Boxing Day Stakes and Trophy – a race that saw his title hopes disappear.
Hughes standout race for the year was winning the Grade 1 Midsummer Creole Classic with Oberoi. He earned third-season returns of $78, 403 with four trips to the winner’s enclosure. (LY)
