Ace Barbadian jockey Patrick Husbands will be inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame announced on Thursday that the 50-year-old, who became one of the most popular and productive jockeys in Canadian racing history during his 30 years riding at the country’s main racing facility, Woodbine, will be included in the Class of 2024 on August 7.
Husbands, along with Trinidad & Tobago-born jockeys Richard Dos Ramos and Emile Ramsammy, were the trio under consideration by the Hall of Fame election committee under the jockeys’ category, with a possibility of two of them making the cut – but the election committee chose only the Barbadian.
Before emigrating 30 years ago from Barbados to Canada, Husbands had already enjoyed considerable success in his homeland as a champion rider and the youngest jockey at only 16 years, nine months to win the prestigious Barbados Gold Cup on his mount, Vardar.
Affectionately known as “Bomel”, Husbands captured eight Sovereign Awards as Canada’s champion jockey between 1999 and 2014.
His initial popularity in Canada came from among the Barbadian community in Toronto, but it quickly grew to universal acceptance with each passing race victory and championship season.
Of his countless achievements, one of the most noted came 21 years ago with his expert handling of Triple Crown winner and future Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame inductee, Wando, for the late Gustav Schickendanz and trainer Mike Keogh, both Honoured Members of the Hall of Fame.
Additionally, Hall of Fame Honoured Member, Mark Casse has been a strong supporter of Husbands, and he has entrusted a cluster of his prized animals to the champion jockey.
They include another Hall of Fame horse Sealy Hill, 2023 King’s Plate winner Paramount Prince, and Queen’s Plate winner Lexie Lou, who was inducted to the Hall of Fame five years ago.
Husbands, whose older brother Simon, and nephew Terry are also jockeys, has won over 3 600 races and earned close to US $180 million through to the end of last year.
(CMC)
