‘The feeling is nice,’ says Patterson after riding first winner
Claiming apprentice Javaniel Patterson tasted victory for the first time since starting his riding career on September 26, when he won aboard the Rowan Mathie-conditioned Mr Romantic in the first race at Caymanas Park last Saturday.
Patterson got a good break aboard
Mr Romantic and held the bay gelding in mid pack behind the speedyAbogado (Wesley Henry up) andMiny Lee under Jerome Innis before he made his move approaching the home bend.
Turning for home in second position against the rails, Patterson then produced his mount and
Mr Romantic got the better ofAbogado at the end of the maiden special weight event for native-bred three-year-olds going over 1,820 metres in a time of 2:00.1 minutes.
Patterson said that he was happy to have won his first race and was hoping that many more winners will come.
“The feeling is nice…it is a very, very nice feeling to win my first race. I must first give thanks to the Almighty God for the strength and courage to come out here today (Saturday) and to do my best. The connections of
Mr Romatic must be given praise for their belief in me,” the 22-year-old told theComplete Racing Guide.
“All of my hard work and dedication really paid off today (Saturday), and I am going to even work harder as I want more winners to come. I want to experience more of these feelings,” Patterson added.
Patterson said that following instructions was the key to his first winner, but he was confident in his mount’s chances.
“The plan coming into the race was to sit behind the leader
Abogado — but not too far — and just ride my horse for the last two furlongs, and that is just what I did and we came home pretty easily at the end.
“Based on his run behind
Sir Biggs where he finished second over this journey, I was confident of victory as this field was easier,” he explained.
Patterson said that he was encouraged by his cousin Oniel Beckford to come into racing.
“My cousin Oneil Beckford was the one who encouraged me to get into the sport. After he introduced me to horse racing, I just became attached to the sport and here I am today, riding horses,” he shared.
