What They Say! – JEMAR JACKSON
When did your start your career as a jockey?
I started my career as a jockey on the September 8, 2012 but I involved in the sport from a younger age. I was brought into racing by Kerry-Gayle Robinson and just by being around horses on a regular basis, I got to like and care for them so much, the decision to choose a career in the racing industry was really a simply one for me.
Which horse was your first winner?
My first winner was a chance ride on the Carl Anderson – trained Special Degree going over seven furlongs. Fellow apprentice Orlando Foster was supposed to ride him but he fell ill and I got the call up. When I went by the winning post in front, I said to myself that I never knew that a chance ride was so sweet. I really did enjoy the win, it was a wonderful day that I won’t forget.
Which horse was your longest odds winner?
My longest odds winner was Fill’s Fantasy at odds of 35-1 for trainer Owen Sharpe going 1,100 metres. This horse was running some good races at the time and although no one gave us a chance in the betting I was confident in victory. This horse is big in body and the trainer asked me if I could manage him and two days before the race, I called him and told that I would ride him and we eventually won, it was really an enjoyable win for me.
Which is the best horse that you have ridden?
Without a doubt, the Richard Azan-trained Mark My Word (deceased) is the best horse that I ridden so far in my career. I usually exercise this horse in the mornings and one day I told the trainer that this horse is going to win a big race and eventually he went on and won the Triple Crown but I never dream that one day I would ride him in a race until the trainer called me and said that I am going to ride him in the Governor General Stakes. My heart was swollen, and when I won the race I was speechless. Coming back after the win I saw everyone in the stands on their feet clapping me, I felt so wonderful as I was the first apprentice to win a Grade One race. I was just happy.
Which is the best horse that you have seen race at Caymanas Park?
I have seen a lot of talented race horses, but to me I would say that Miracle Man and Mark My Word are the best horses that I have seen race at Caymanas Park. Miracle Man won his races impressively, unfortunately he didn’t win the Triple Crown but he went on to win the Superstakes that same year as well as going aboard and winning the Caribbean Classic which speaks volume of his talent. Mark My World on the other hand won the Triple Crown and went on to win the Superstakes, he was a fighter and he was very consistent, just a brilliant racehorse.
Who influenced your career the most?
Since I am in the racing industry everyone has been good to me. Trainers, jockeys, grooms, fans, owners, family and friends have supported me well. But I would like to give special thanks to trainer Richard Azan. Azan always and still is giving me encouragement and support. His guidance has really help me a lot.