ANTHONY THOMAS – now riding the winners
Described by many as one of the hardest working of the present crop of apprentices, St Mary native Anthony Thomas took his tally of winners for the season to 18 from 202 mounts after taking the spotlight on the 10-race programme at Caymanas Park on Saturday with three winners — the first time he has managed to achieve this notable feat.
“I have gotten more confident of late…I have gotten more comfortable of late, and I have been able to pace myself well. I think all of that has contributed to my rise in form and I just want to continue riding well,” said Thomas, who has been languishing in the shadows of fellow apprentices Linton Steadman, Bebeto Harvey and Dane Dawkins, among others.
The late-blooming Thomas attributes his recent winning form to his hard work and the response from those trainers who have supported him.
“To ride winners takes a lot of dedication and putting out the hard work in the mornings. I have been doing all the necessary things and it feels really good when you have something to show for all of that,” Thomas explained.
Although not attached to any particular stable, Thomas said that he has no difficulties in getting the rides as he has a good relationship with the trainers.
“I am a very hard-working person, and I have manners and respect for everyone. I don’t have one trainer that I ride for; I basically ride across the board for trainers. I say a big thank you to all the trainers who I have been working with and those who have given me the rides,” he said.
On Saturday Thomas started his triple-winning run in the fifth race when he guided Chief Prospect to victory for trainer Johnny Wilmot, going nine furlongs and 25 yards (1,820m).
His second came in the eighth race as he won aboard the Ralph Roberts-owned and -trained My Angel Briannah in a driving finish over Breezy (Shane Ellis), going six and a half furlongs (1,300m).
The cap for Thomas came in the ninth race, the O&S Tack Room Trophy feature, when Wong Don romped home by five lengths.
“It is a warm and wonderful feeling riding three winners. I know that I have been putting in the work and I am happy all of that is paying off.
“I know that I am getting things going at the right time, and so it is for me to make full use of the opportunities I have at this time,” a confident Thomas said.