George HoSang: A legacy in the saddle

FROM THE moment George HoSang set foot on the racetrack as a boy, he knew he was meant to be in the saddle.

For George, horse racing wasn’t just a career – it was in his blood. His uncles owned and trained horses and, from a young age, he found himself drawn to the thrill of the sport. At just eight years old, he accompanied them to the track on Saturdays where he fell in love with the sound of pounding hooves, the energy of the crowd, and the sheer artistry of jockeys skilfully man0euvring their horses. That passion would define his life.

But chasing this dream wouldn’t be easy.

In Jamaica at the time, it was unheard of for someone of Chinese descent to pursue a career as a jockey. As George himself put it, “Chinese didn’t ride horses. They did shop and grocery business.”

Still, he refused to be deterred. He was a student at Kingston College, excelling academically, when he pleaded with his parents to give him a chance to chase his dream. With encouragement from his uncles and sheer determination, his parents relented, allowing him to take a leap into the world of horse racing.

Training was rigorous. As a young apprentice, he was introduced to the trade under the guidance of trainer Fritz Crawford, in the late 1960s.

“Crawford was a really good and knowledgeable person. He taught me a lot and laid the foundation for my growth and development. Interestingly, Emilio Rodriquez and I were apprentices at Crawford’s stables at the same time, and, because of that, a very strong bond developed between us which continues even today,” George reminisced.

Unlike today’s structured jockey schools, he had to learn from hands-on experience – starting with the most menial of stable tasks. He cleaned stalls, groomed horses, and did everything necessary to prove his commitment before even getting the opportunity to mount a racehorse.

His first experience riding came on an old mare named Tomboy, a horse owned by his uncles, on whom he learned the fundamentals of balance, control, and discipline.

Breaking into competitive racing was challenging. Opportunities were few, and, despite having his licence, he struggled to secure rides. His first major breakthrough came when he won his first race aboard a horse named Short Circuit. It was a long-awaited victory, but what made it even sweeter was that he immediately followed it up with another win on Wedge Darling, making it a double triumph in a single day.

“When I crossed that finish line first on Short Circuit, it wasn’t just a win – it was proof that I belonged in this sport. I couldn’t sleep that night. I was so happy.”

The taste of victory fuelled his drive and, soon, he ascended the ranks. His breakthrough led to a rise that culminated in his winning the leading rider title for four consecutive years. However, the early 1970s brought instability to Jamaica, with escalating crime and economic difficulties prompting an exodus of many professionals, including jockeys.

MIGRATION TO CANADA

Like many others, George sought opportunities abroad, migrating to Canada in 1976 in search of a more secure future.

Though adjusting to a new racing scene was daunting, George wasted no time proving himself. In his very first race on Canadian soil, he rode a horse named Bambis, trained by fellow Jamaican Michael Silveira, to victory. It was an auspicious start and, from that moment, his career in Canada took off. Despite arriving mid-season in August, he managed to secure 54 wins in just a few months. “I was on fire,” he recalled. “Right place, right time – it all fell into place.”

However, his career was not without challenges. One of the most defining moments of his journey came when he suffered a life-threatening accident on the track. A devastating fall left him with serious injuries, testing his resilience like never before. The accident could have ended his career but, instead, it became a testament to his grit and passion for the sport. Recovery was gruelling, both physically and mentally, but he fought his way back. He not only returned to racing but continued to secure wins, proving that nothing could keep him away from the saddle.

Over the years, George cemented his reputation as a top-tier jockey. His skill, resilience, and determination carried him through decades of racing success. He won the Jamaican Derby twice before making his move to Canada, where he became the first Jamaican jockey to win the prestigious Queen’s Plate. With over 2,000 career victories, he was recognised for his fearless riding style and deep connection with horses. His contributions to the sport earned him a well-deserved induction into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame.

Though he had left Jamaica, his legacy in the sport endured, inspiring countless young jockeys to follow in his footsteps. Despite being away from home, George has remained deeply connected to the Jamaican racing scene. He has watched Caymanas Park evolve over the years, and takes great pride in the strides the industry has made on the global stage. “Caymanas is moving in the right direction,” he says. “The talent coming out of Jamaica is incredible, and it’s great to see our riders and trainers making a name for themselves internationally.”

Beyond his own career, George is committed to giving back to the sport and its people.

“I just feel proud to be a part of Caymanas Park history. I’m doing my bit of giving back to those that need a little bit of help,” he shared. Alongside fellow racing legends Emilio Rodriguez, Charlie Hussey, and Winston Griffiths, he is part of an aftercare programme that not only supports retired racehorses but also helps people in the racing community.

“We are not only helping horses, but people as well. We’re going to try to see if we can help some of the younger jockeys that are just starting out.” he added.

George reflected on how far technology has advanced compared to his early days in racing:

“Back then, we didn’t have anything close to what riders have today. There were no video replays to analyse our performance – just a snapshot in the winner’s enclosure or a photo capturing the winning pose. We couldn’t see how we were riding down the backstretch or coming around the turn, and that kind of insight makes a big difference in improving technique. Technology has come a long way, and it has significantly enhanced race riding. We had to learn by watching live races and mimicking what we saw, which was valuable. But today’s jockeys have even more tools to refine their craft.”

From a young boy at Caymanas Park to a record-breaking jockey in Canada, George HoSang’s journey is a testament to resilience, talent, and an unshakable passion for the sport. His story doesn’t just belong in the record books – it lives on in every young jockey he continues to inspire.