On the planet of horse racing, few names command as a lot respect as Winston ‘Fanna’ Griffiths, OD. A Corridor of Fame jockey and probably the most profitable rider in Jamaica’s historical past, Griffiths holds the excellence of being the winningest jockey within the English-speaking Caribbean. His unbelievable profession, spanning a long time, has left an indelible mark on Caymanas Park and the game as an entire.
A Report-Breaking Profession
Griffiths’ journey started in 1975, and through the years, he amassed an astonishing 1,615 profession wins—greater than some other jockey in Jamaican racing historical past. His potential to learn the tempo of a race and execute strategic strikes with good timing earned him the admiration of followers and rivals alike. It was this signature finesse, significantly his skillful “fanning” type of driving, that led to the nickname ‘Fanna.’
A five-time Champion Jockey, Griffiths dominated the observe in consecutive years from 1978 to 1981, reclaiming the title as soon as extra in 1995. He additionally holds the exceptional feat of securing 11 Jamaican Derby victories, an achievement that cements his place as one of many all-time greats in Caribbean horse racing.
Making Historical past with the Triple Crown
Maybe his most extraordinary accomplishment got here in 1992, when he partnered with legendary coach Philip Feanny, OD, to realize an unprecedented sweep of all 5 Basic races in a single calendar yr. Using CLASSIQUE and MILLIGRAM (who turned that yr’s Triple Crown winner), Griffiths and Feanny set a world report, a feat so exceptional it earned them recognition within the Guinness E-book of Information. The next yr, the duo continued their dominance, securing 4 of the 5 Basic races with VESTIA and TAI FU CHIEH, additional extending their world report.
Griffiths additionally holds the distinct honour of getting ridden 5 Triple Crown winners at Caymanas Park—Royal Dad (1981), The Viceroy (1989), Milligram (1992), I’m Glad (2000), and Easy Magic (2002). His consistency and brilliance within the saddle set him aside as a real grasp of the game.
A Champion Honoured
Even after retiring from racing, Griffiths’ legacy continues to be celebrated. The Winston Griffiths Basic, a prestigious 9½ furlong Grade 1 race, is run yearly in his honour at Caymanas Park. In 2023, the occasion expanded to incorporate the Winston Griffiths Jockey Problem, the place prime native and worldwide jockeys competed, highlighting his continued affect on the game.
His influence extends past the observe—Griffiths was awarded the Order of Distinction (OD) for his contributions to Jamaican horse racing. He has additionally been inducted into the Jamaica Racing Fee (JRC) Corridor of Fame, additional solidifying his standing as a legend.
A Lasting Affect
Although he not races, Griffiths stays deeply concerned within the sport as a licensed coach at Caymanas Park. His wealth of expertise and tactical information proceed to form the subsequent era of riders, guaranteeing that his legacy lives on.
From the thunderous applause of race-day victories to his enduring presence within the sport, Winston ‘Fanna’ Griffiths embodies the very essence of greatness in Jamaican horse racing. His story is one in every of perseverance, expertise, and an unrelenting drive for excellence—a real Untold Story of an Unbelievable Jamaican.
