By Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer
Hibbert
JAMAICA-BORN Ricardo Hibbert is on the verge of becoming champion jockey in Barbados, but despite his new found fame, says he has no desire to ride in Jamaica on a regular basis.
Hibbert, who celebrated his 24th birthday on Sunday, said he is not only comfortable with what he called a lucrative deal at the Garrison Savannah racetrack in Barbados, but more importantly is respected by his peers.
The same cannot be said about Jamaica.
Hibbert recalled that he left Jamaica in frustration in December, 1998 after failing for the second time to gain entry to the Jockeys' School.
That batch included Kenyatta Davis, Ramon Parish and Devon S. Thomas, all of whom have ridden over 100 winners. Some years earlier, he tried even harder, but his hopes were dashed as he saw subsequent champion jockeys Wesley Henry and Shane Ellis, among others, get in ahead of him.
Hibbert said that despite the obstacles and setbacks, he was able to ride at Caymanas Park in three races confined to exercise riders. However, he failed to win on any of his mounts.
In November of 1998, a glorious opportunity presented itself and he grasped it with both hands.
"Trainer Anthony 'Baba' Nunes recommended me to Barbadian owner Elias Haloute who was here at the time for the Yearling Sale and Superstakes, which was won by his horse Terremoto... Before long I was on my way to Barbados," recalls the tall, slender jockey who can ride at 51.0kg.
According to Hibbert, things started slowly for him in that country. However, as the months progressed, trainer Roger Parravicino decided to take a chance with him, putting him aboard his first winner, the two-year-old colt ROYAL AFFAIR.
Hibbert followed up with another two-year-old, the filly TALKABOUT LUCKY, who he described as "the best horse in Barbados now".
This year has been a rewarding one for Hibbert. In addition to being the leading rider, he won the Derby aboard the 3-y-o colt OBA DOVE for former English trainer, Bill Marshall. And he won another major race as recent as November 2 aboard TALK ABOUT LUCKY, this over nine furlongs.
He currently leads Jamar Maughn (his partner for the Red Stripe Jockeys' Championship) by six winners in the championship race and from all indications, is on course to win his first title, despite the fact that he still enjoys a 5.0lb claim as an apprentice.
Hibbert's really big break came early this year when he was retained to ride for top Barbados owner, Senator Charles O. Williams who is no stranger to Jamaica, he being the owner of crack sprinter OWEN TAYLOR.
The jockey has also ridden four winners at Santa Rosa in the sister Caribbean island of Trinidad, two this season and two last year.
While growing up in Jamaica, Hibbert who hails from Gregory Park attended Gregory Park All-Age and Waterford Comprehensive. Having lived in close proximity to Caymanas Park, he became interesting in racing at a tender age and yearned to be a jockey.
That dream never materialised in Jamaica. But the way things have turned out, the man who singles out jockey Andrew Ramgeet as his role model, really has no regrets.
