Bajan wins Queen’s Plate- again
By Gerald V. Paul
When The Camera reached jockey Patrick Husbands in Barbados on Monday, he called his second career win of the Queen’s Plate “stunning”.
“As I told Mark, my trainer, I will win the Queen’s Plate for him. It’s unbelievable – a dream come true.”
Veteran trainer Mark Casse won the race for the first time, when filly Lexie Lou propelled Husbands to victory at Woodbine in the 155th running of the Queen’s Plate last Sunday, with the prize of $1 million.
Husbands, whose rejoicing family and friends could be overheard on the phone, said he started riding at age five with the guidance of his late father, Walter Husbands, who ran a riding school and was also a jockey.
In 1990 he became the youngest jockey to win the prestigious Barbados Gold Cup at just 16 years, 9 months on his mount Vardar.
He was voted the Sovereign Award for Outstanding Jockey, a then unprecedented four straight years between 1999 and 2003. Jan., 7, 2004, was named “Patrick Husbands Day” in Barbados.
In tears, he recalled his first Kentucky Derby entrance. He remembered his Dad’s words that he will win the race. His career now includes 2,700 wins. He also rode in Trinidad and Tobago and has plans for the Gold Cup in Barbados.
But first, he is expected to return to Toronto and continue his riding.
As for advice for young people who would love to emulate him? “You must have discipline. Respect parents and focus on what you do best.”