What They Say! – Linton Calder
When did you start your career as a trainer?
My career as a trainer started in 2002 but I was a jockey before becoming a trainer. I was introduced to racing when I was a boy growing up as my mother, Kathleen Harding, was a vendor at the Park. Every Friday after school, I would go to the track to help her out and that is when I got interested in the sport. I was around trainer Allan ‘Billy’ Williams, who became my apprentice master and he nurtured me into becoming a jockey.
Which horse was your first winner?
My first winner as a trainer was Exotic Gift ridden by Ameth Robles. Exotic Gift ran 1,400 metres in 1:29:0 minutes that day. I was so excited, it was just fantastic! The Brigand was my first winner when I was a jockey; it is always a very wonderful feeling when you win races. I have also ridden Alliance to victory in the famous Gold Cup and a $500,000 Stakes race as well. Those moments I will never forget.
Which horse was your longest odds winner?
Eyes Of Glory at 113-1 was my longest odds winner as a trainer. Chalrick Budhai rode an exceptional race. I was jumping up and down when they went by the winning post in first position. When the horse won, I was so happy that I ran on the racetrack and sprinted to the round mile to meet Eyes Of Glory and Budhai when they were returning. That day I don’t think even Usain Bolt could have run faster than me. As a jockey, I won at 99-1 odds aboard the Oswald Lee-trained Bally Flyer.
Which is the best horse that you have trained?
It has to be Exotic Gift. Exotic Gift was really a very good horse, easy to train and very quiet as well. Exotic Gift did everything that I asked as a trainer.
Which is the best horse that you have seen race at Caymanas Park?
I have seen None Such, which was a very talented race horse, and Legal Light. Those two horses were two very talented racehorses and the best I have ever seen. None Such was very good and Legal Light was just incredible. They demonstrated their class and talent every time they raced.
Who influenced your career the most?
Edgar Barr, who was a trainer and a jockey in the past, jockey Arthur Jones and Allan ‘Billy’ Williams, they influenced my career.
