In a thrilling turn of events at Caymanas Park, apprentice jockey Romane Gordon delivered a career-defining performance, securing his first-ever victory in spectacular fashion. The young rider, who has long been honing his craft, made a bold statement as he piloted James to a commanding win in the Restricted Allowance III event on Saturday, February 1, 2025.
With an air of confidence that belied his experience level, Gordon expertly guided James, a horse trained by the respected Spencer Chung, through the 6½-furlong (1,300m) race, outpacing seasoned competitors to cross the finish line 3¾ lengths ahead of runner-up MPRS Links (Dane Dawkins). Huntsman (Rotajmar Weir) took third place, with the race clocking an official time of 1:21.1 (23.3 x 47.3 x 1:14.1).
The magnitude of the moment was not lost on Gordon, who, overwhelmed with emotion, described his victory as a culmination of resilience, patience, and the unwavering support of those who believed in him.
A Lesson in Perseverance
Gordon’s journey to this pivotal moment has been anything but easy. Having previously partnered with James in a race that resulted in a fifth-place finish, the young rider was determined to learn from his mistakes. Fate intervened when champion jockey Raddesh Roman, initially scheduled to ride James, was unable to fulfill the booking due to prior commitments.
Rather than let the pressure weigh him down, Gordon seized the opportunity, meticulously absorbing guidance from Roman, who provided invaluable strategic insights on how to handle the horse.
“The first time I rode James, I didn’t get the best start, and it cost us. This time, I made sure to listen, focus, and execute the plan. I owe a huge thank you to Raddesh Roman for his advice and to Mr. Chung for believing in me,” Gordon shared.
A Racing Legacy in the Making
For Gordon, this victory is more than just a personal milestone—it is a continuation of a family legacy. His roots in the racing world run deep, with relatives such as Garfield Gordon and Anthony Allen having already made their mark in the industry.
“I’ve grown up around racing, and I knew from early on that this was my calling. My father, Everton Gordon, has always supported me, and I can’t thank him enough for pushing me to chase my dreams,” Gordon said.
Born and raised in Spanish Town, Gordon’s daily routine involves an arduous two-vehicle commute to Caymanas Park, followed by grueling early morning training sessions. Often arriving before 5:00 AM, he has earned a reputation for his work ethic, a trait that now seems to be paying off.
The Road Ahead
While this victory marks a significant stepping stone in Gordon’s career, he remains laser-focused on what’s next. The hope is that his breakout performance will catch the attention of top trainers, leading to more riding opportunities and, ultimately, a path to the upper echelons of Jamaica’s competitive horse racing scene.
“This is just the beginning. I want to prove that I have what it takes to compete at the highest level. I’ll continue working hard and making the most of every chance I get,” Gordon affirmed.
As the dust settles from his impressive triumph, one thing is clear—Romane Gordon is a rising star, and his journey is only just beginning. The racing world will be watching closely to see just how high this young talent can climb.
