Patrick Husbands, the legendary Barbadian jockey, has called time on his illustrious career. He announced his retirement from the saddle on Thursday, a month ahead of his 53rd birthday. Husbands is ranked among the most successful horsemen to come from Barbados and the Caribbean. He is a multi-time champion at the prestigious Woodbine Racetrack in Canada, where he is in the Hall of Fame.
“I have been riding since 1988, so that is 37 years that I have done this,” he said. “It’s been a long time, so this year, I needed to give my body and mind a break. This year, I am going to get on horses in the morning for Mark (Casse) and my brother (Anthony). I want to give back to both of them and show them my respect.”
He added: “I can say I am retired, but next year, one morning, I might wake up and say that I have a couple years left. But right now, my mind and body need that rest. … I am still crying about it [retiring]. I am at a stage in my life where I don’t want to retire, but you can’t keep doing this forever. Every day was a challenge. There are always ups and downs, but you never give up. You deal with injuries, losing a race you should have won and other things, but whenever you win, there is no feeling like that in the world.
He noted that winning the Sovereign Awards, the jockey championships in Canada, ranks among his greatest accomplishments. He is also a winner of the Sandy Lane Gold Cup, Barbados most prestigious horse race and the most celebrated in the Eastern Caribbean. His most famous triumph was aboard Sharp Impact in 2006 and he returned to ride winners in 2010 and 2014. He is also the recipient of national honors.
