Apprentice jockey Richie Shakes now a winner of two races
Richie Shakes, one of the new graduates of the Jamaica Racing Commission’s (JRC) Jockeys’ Training School, continued his favourably start to his career. Since completing his training in December 2024, Shakes has already racked up two impressive wins.
Shakes’ maiden victory was achieved on December 28, 2024, aboard Benson. He followed up this success with his second win on Saturday, January 11, 2025, guiding Power Ranking to triumph in the fifth race.
Power Ranking’s success win came in the $86,000 Portmore Entertainment OTB Trophy, a three-year-old and upward Claiming ($1m-$800,000) race over 6 furlongs (1,200m).
Trained by Lawrence Freemantle, Power Ranking made one move to win by a length and three quarters in a time of 1:14.2 (23.4 x 48.0 x 1:00.3).
Shakes broke Power Ranking on top ahead of Alexa’s Lodge (Tevin Foster) and Storm A Come (Robert Halledeen). Power Ranking maintained his steady gallop navigating the half-mile (800m) turn and when asked to run by Shakes in deep stretch, the six-year-old bay horse responded well and won easily at the wire.
Burning Valor (Emelio McLean) finished second and Whisky (Tajay Suckoo) finished third.
Shakes joined Suckoo as the two only apprentice riders to win two races so far from the batch.
— Ruddy Allen