Guyanese jockeys embark on international licensing process in Barbados

Guyana’s horse-racing industry reached a historic milestone this week as three of the country’s top jockeys successfully completed the first major step toward obtaining their international jockey licences in Barbados, opening the door for Guyanese riders to compete on tracks around the world.

Leading the group is 2025 Champion Jockey Yovin Kissoonchand, alongside former champion jockeys Colin Ross and Ronaldo Appadu.

All three jockeys successfully passed their physical riding examinations in Barbados, a critical requirement in the international licensing process.

The licensing process is currently being overseen by respected racing administrator Victor Cheeseman, with internationally recognised horseman Robert Malcolm Pierce playing a pivotal role in guiding and facilitating the programme.

While further assessments, training modules, and administrative procedures are still ongoing, officials confirmed that the full licensing process is expected to be completed by the end of this week, placing Guyana’s young riders firmly on an international pathway.

A long-awaited breakthrough for Guyana’s racing youth

For years, Guyanese jockeys have shown natural talent, discipline and competitiveness at home, yet opportunities to ride abroad remained limited due to licensing barriers. That reality is now changing.

“This is something we have waited a long time for,” said one official close to the process. “Once completed, these jockeys will be eligible to ride not just in Barbados, but across the Caribbean and internationally.”

The move mirrors the path taken by Barbadian jockeys, many of whom now ride successfully in North America, the United Kingdom, and across the Caribbean, building a global reputation believed to have begun with similar licensing initiatives decades ago.

Now, that same door has opened for Guyana.

Jockeys express gratitude for a life-changing opportunity

Speaking following their physical examinations, the jockeys expressed heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity.

“This is a dream come true,” said Kissoonchand, Guyana’s current champion rider. “We have worked our entire lives for a chance like this. We are thankful to everyone who believed in us and helped make this possible.”

Former champion Ross echoed the sentiment: “For years we hoped something like this would happen. To finally see it happening means everything to us and to the younger jockeys coming up.”

Appadu added that the opportunity was more than just personal success. “This isn’t just for us. It’s for the next generation of jockeys in Guyana who now know that international racing is within reach.”

All three riders extended special thanks to the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee (JJTRC), their trainers, and particularly Robert Malcolm Peirce, whose guidance and international experience proved instrumental in advancing the process.

Robert Malcolm Peirce, SCM, a lifetime dedicated to youth and racing

Widely respected throughout the Caribbean, Robert Malcolm Peirce, SCM, brings decades of experience to Guyana’s racing development.

Pierce was awarded the Service to Community Medal (SCM) by the Government of Barbados in 2018, recognising his lifelong dedication to youth development, community service, special-needs programmes, and horse racing.

During a period when Barbados honoured citizens under the Crown, the SCM stood as one of the country’s most respected national awards for service.

Beyond community work, Peirce is also celebrated for his contributions to racing, having played key roles in:

• Developing young jockeys and stable staff
• Supporting under-privileged and special-needs youth through equine programmes
• Advising racing bodies and stables across the Caribbean
• Being associated with major regional racing victories and championship campaigns

His involvement in Guyana marks a significant step forward for the sport locally. Now serving as a consultant to the Jumbo Jet Racing Stable and working closely with the JJTRC, Peirce has brought international best practices, structure, and mentorship to the local scene.

JJTRC moves quickly toward long-term development

The JJTRC wasted no time in engaging Mr. Pierce’s expertise. Late last year, the committee released a statement indicating plans for a formal jockey school in Guyana, an initiative now gaining momentum with the international licensing of local riders.

“This is exactly the kind of progress we envisioned,” a JJTRC representative stated. “Licensing jockeys internationally, developing training programmes, and raising standards are all part of our long-term vision for Guyanese racing.”

With three jockeys now on the verge of becoming internationally licensed, Guyana’s horse-racing industry has taken a decisive step forward, one that not only elevates individual careers but strengthens the country’s standing across the Caribbean racing landscape.

As Barbados once did, Guyana is now laying the foundation for its jockeys to compete globally, tell their stories abroad, and return home with experience that will further lift the sport locally.

For many within the industry, this moment represents more than progress, it represents hope, opportunity, and a future finally within reach.

(PRESS RELEASE)