You hear an article by Canadian Thororbred.com. Assiniboia opens on May 13th; Prayven Badrie ready to roll through: GS Thompson | .
Jockey Prayven Badrie is back to defend his riding title in 2024 and he is ready! But he will have a lot of competition for top position when the live race starts on Tuesday, May 13th, at 7:30 p.m. with the Don Gray Memorial.
There are over 15 jockeys here Already and more on the way, with 2024 Runner-up Damario Bynoe and Three-Time Champion Antonio Whitehall Leading the Hungry Pack Along with Ronald Ali, Rachaad Knights, Renaldo Cumberbatch, Dane Dawkins, Neville Stephenson, Damario Bynea, Sven Balroop, Arthur Budhu, Shavon Belle and Dario Dalrymple and Douglas Badaloo are all ready for the opening evening.
On the trainer side, in the absence of coach Jerry Gourneau, who will remain in US training for his main customer Henry Witt, numerous stables in 2025 have a shot on the title, including the leading leading trainer Tom Gardipy, Jr., Jared Brown, Wendy Anderson, Carl Anderson, Steve Keplin, Jr.
Badrie, a 34-year-old native Trinidad, who turns 35 in June, has been preparing for the 2025 season since February and despite Manitoba's icy winter to gallop horses on the Miracle Ranch before arriving on the track.
“The route is really lovely and the horses train better than last year,” said Badrie.
Badrie's 2024 season was exceptional when he conquered his second title and his first overlight after having previously shared a title with Antonio Whitehall in 2018. Last year he dominated with 53 wins, including Stakes victories in the RJ Speer and Harvey Warner Manitoba Mile, on the Lady.
The trip to the top was for Badrie, who arrived in Assiniboia Downs for the first time in 2011, but only stayed for two months. After returning in 2017, he spent years to practice elite horses without maintaining the races in the actual races, but this work laid the foundation for future success.
Badrie's career was shaped by significant setbacks, including a broken hip and a pelvis from a spill at Century Downs in 2018, followed by a broken collarbone in another accident at Century Mile in 2019, but it came back more than ever.
For 2025, Badrie arrested the most significant relationships with trainers who should offer him high -quality mounts throughout the season. His connection with coach Mike Nault and owners A2 full blood and true North were particularly fertile.
As Nolan Allard of A2 full -blossoms from Badrie in the Winnipeg Free Press said last year: “He got his confidence back. The way he closes the lane is incredible.”
When asked what he likes to ride, Badrie's answer was simply: “competition”.
The experienced jockey has developed and noticed a pointed understanding of horse psychology: “Every horse is different. Some of them do not like the interior. Some of them like the setback, some of them like.”
Badries careful preparation includes studying past appearances and observing races repetitions to better understand its mounts and rivals. “I watch the repetitions to see the best races the horse are and try to drive them like that,” he said.
Badries success at Assiniboia Downs has improved his reputation in Trinidad and in the Caribbean race track. “Every time they go,” he said of the recognition he received at home. “It's a large deal if you disappear and have success.”
In winter outside of the season, Badrie remained dynamic, traveled to Guyana to drive a horse for the president of this country in a huge operational race and also accepted prestigious Gold Cup in Barbados.
When the 2025 season begins, Badrie stays humble despite his achievements, and expresses gratitude rather than superconscious: “I am grateful for all the possibilities that I get from owners and trainers.
“It's home now.”
