Cardenas back in the saddle
Published:Sunday | July 19, 2020 | 12:21 AMRobert Bailey - Sunday Gleaner Writer
Experienced Panamanian jockey Dick Cardenas is now back in the island and is expected to resume riding at Caymanas Park very soon.
Cardenas, who last rode in Jamaica in the 2019 season, was a runner-up in the Jockeys Championships in 2018 to Anthony Thomas in the 2018 season with 85 winners.
Thomas, who was winning his first jockey’s title, recorded 96 winners to lift the championships.
Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment General Manager Lorna Gooden said they are looking forward to Cardenas showcasing his skills at the racetrack once again.
Experienced
“I am indeed looking forward to riding here and the contribution that he will make in the card, because he is known to the punters and he is known to the public,” Gooden said. “They (punters) are looking forward to seeing what he will do on any race day that he is slated to ride.
“Based on the fact that he is based overseas and he is well known, I would expect that he is designated as a good jockey. He will bring his experience and overseas knowledge to the jockeys out here and when he goes on the track as well.”
Gooden said Cardenas, who recently arrived in the island, is now in self-quarantine as per government protocols and guidelines.
United Racehorse Trainers Association President Ryan Darby said Cardenas has been a fan favourite over the years and he will add to the excitement at the Caymanas Park.
“It is always good to have a good jockey colony, and Dick will most certainly add to the improvement of the jockeys,” he said. “He has a plus where he can ride as a reasonable lightweight, so it is a very positive thing to have good jockeys coming and riding out here.”