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Horse racing is a sport that has captivated audiences for centuries. It is a remarkable display of speed, skill, and athleticism. At the heart of this thrilling spectacle are the unsung heroes known as jockeys. These athletes dedicate their lives to perfecting the art of riding, forging an unbreakable bond with their equine partners and striving for glory on the racetrack. In this article, we’ll shed light on the story of Yovin Kissonchand, a young jockey. Jockeys are the pilots of the racing world, guiding powerful thoroughbred horses to the finish line with precision and finesse.
The bond between a jockey and their horse(s) is a testament to the deep connection that forms between humans and animals. Jockeys spend countless hours with their horses, getting to know their personalities and idiosyncrasies. This profound relationship is often key to a jockey’s success. They are responsible for comforting and calming their mounts, gaining their trust, and understanding their limits.
In many cases, jockeys work with the same horse consistently, forming an even stronger bond. The partnership between jockey and horse can make all the difference in a race, as the two become a unified force, working together to achieve victory.
Yovin Kissoonchand was born on the 10th of May 2001 to Mr. and Mrs. Kissonchand, at the Fort Wellington Public Hospital.
At the tender age of 5, Yovin developed the habit of catching horses and trying to ride them, no matter how many times he fell off, he would get up and go again and his love for horse riding increased daily. Oftentimes, he would take his sister with him and tried teaching her to ride as well, but that didn’t work out as she would constantly fall off the horse. While at age 5, he told his parents that he wanted to be a jockey.
Yovin was trained and groomed by his uncle John Travolta Cheefoon to become a jockey at age 9.
At age 9 in 2010, Yovin went to the No.6 race track, as a jockey to ride a thoroughbred horse. There he raced among big jockeys and won. That win fueled his drive to continue being a jockey, as well as to participate in horse races, many of which he won.
His increased winnings, made him become a number one jockey at all gymkhanas. Yovin received many trophies including the champion jockey trophy.
He rode horses such as The Ranch Boy, Gangsta & Popcaan, amongst others – those were the horses that allowed him to make a name for himself at gymkhanas. At the age of 16 Yovin started to ride horses at the big tracks like the Rising sun Turf Club, Bushlot United, Kennard Memorial Turf Club and Port Mourant.
The life of a jockey is not without challenges. These individuals face many unique obstacles in their quest for success. At the beginning of his racing career he faced a lot of challenges, as he lost many races and he reached to a point of wanting to give up, however with the encouragement from his immediate family, he was inspired to continue his journey as a jockey.
“Due to me losing many races, people stopped asking me to ride their horses at the race track. There were many times I went to the race track and no one asked me to ride their horses and that broke my spirit……I thought of quitting.. But I remembered where I came from, so I continued to ride at gymkhanas,” Kissonchand told this publication.
While riding his grandfather’s horse Osuana, he scored big and that made him happy. “At that point, I felt what it was like to be in the winner’s circle,” he said.
As his winnings increased, his courage and confidence built up faster than lightning. In 2023, he was named champion jockey at the president’s cup, where he copped 2 first place and 3 second place making him the champion jockey on that day with his horses Heartland and Rachel.
“No matter how tough it gets on the track, no matter how many losses you take, never give up. One day you will ride the right horse and have your victory,” is Yovin’s advice to upcoming jockeys.
He also uses this quote, “Keep him safe, Keep him sound, give him wings to fly over the race ground.”
For jockeys like Yovin, the thrill of crossing the finish line in first place is unparalleled. This sensation of accomplishment, shared with their loyal equine companions, is what drives jockeys to overcome the many challenges they face in their profession. The cheers of the crowd, the taste of victory, and the satisfaction of knowing they’ve guided their horse to glory make every hardship worthwhile. Jockeys are the unsung heroes of horse racing, displaying exceptional skills, dedication, and passion in their pursuit of victory. Their ability to connect with these majestic animals, coupled with their mental and physical strength, is truly remarkable.
While the profession of a jockey is demanding and fraught with challenges, the bond they share with their horses and the exhilaration of victory make it all worthwhile. In the world of horse racing, jockeys are true artists, painting a canvas of speed, grace, and triumph as they ride to victory.
