When did you start riding in Jamaica?

I started to ride in Jamaica in October of 2008. However, before coming to Jamaica, I was an apprentice in Panama where I rode just over 300 winners.

Which horse was your first winner?

My first winner was actually my first ride, St Bess, trained by Percy Hussey at 19-1. It was a happy day for me to ride my first winner in Jamaica and it is a day I will not forget.

Winner which have you ridden at the longest odds?

I won a race at 79-1 on a horse by the name of Alfallo for trainer Lee Clarke. I worked that horse lots of time and saw the improvement he was making so I was not surprised when he won.

What’s the best horse you have ridden in Jamaica?

It is very difficult to choose. I won the Triple Crown on Mark My Word and I rode St Cecelia to win the Gold Cup and both are really very good horses. Let me put it like this – at distances over eight furlongs without doubt it is Mark My Word, and for distances below eight furlongs, St Cecelia has no peer.

While riding in Jamaica, which is the best horse you have seen perform?

Again, I have to say Mark My Word and St Cecelia. I have ridden both of them and know they are good and talented horses. But even when I am not riding them I watch their performances and simply enjoy seeing the talent they possess.

Who has influenced your career most?

That is easy for me to answer. The person who has influenced my career most is my countryman Fernando Jara. He is a top-notch rider as proven by his success in the United States. He has ridden winners in the Belmont Stakes – 2006 with Jazil, and of course he rode Invasor to victory in the Breeders’ Cup Classic and the Dubai World Cup. Apart from being a fine rider, he is a close personal friend who his given good advice and encouragement over the years