In the world of horse racing, few names command as much respect as Winston ‘Fanna’ Griffiths, OD. A Hall of Fame jockey and the most successful rider in Jamaica’s history, Griffiths holds the distinction of being the winningest jockey in the English-speaking Caribbean. His incredible career, spanning decades, has left an indelible mark on Caymanas Park and the sport as a whole.
A Record-Breaking Career
Griffiths’ journey began in 1975, and over the years, he amassed an astonishing 1,615 career wins—more than any other jockey in Jamaican racing history. His ability to read the pace of a race and execute strategic moves with perfect timing earned him the admiration of fans and competitors alike. It was this signature finesse, particularly his skillful “fanning” style of riding, that led to the nickname ‘Fanna.’
A five-time Champion Jockey, Griffiths dominated the track in consecutive years from 1978 to 1981, reclaiming the title once more in 1995. He also holds the remarkable feat of securing 11 Jamaican Derby victories, an achievement that cements his place as one of the all-time greats in Caribbean horse racing.
Making History with the Triple Crown
Perhaps his most extraordinary accomplishment came in 1992, when he partnered with legendary trainer Philip Feanny, OD, to achieve an unprecedented sweep of all five Classic races in a single calendar year. Riding CLASSIQUE and MILLIGRAM (who became that year’s Triple Crown winner), Griffiths and Feanny set a world record, a feat so remarkable it earned them recognition in the Guinness Book of Records. The following year, the duo continued their dominance, securing four of the five Classic races with VESTIA and TAI FU CHIEH, further extending their world record.
Griffiths also holds the distinct honour of having ridden five Triple Crown winners at Caymanas Park—Royal Dad (1981), The Viceroy (1989), Milligram (1992), I’m Satisfied (2000), and Simple Magic (2002). His consistency and brilliance in the saddle set him apart as a true master of the sport.
A Champion Honoured
Even after retiring from racing, Griffiths’ legacy continues to be celebrated. The Winston Griffiths Classic, a prestigious 9½ furlong Grade 1 race, is run annually in his honour at Caymanas Park. In 2023, the event expanded to include the Winston Griffiths Jockey Challenge, where top local and international jockeys competed, highlighting his continued influence on the sport.
His impact extends beyond the track—Griffiths was awarded the Order of Distinction (OD) for his contributions to Jamaican horse racing. He has also been inducted into the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) Hall of Fame, further solidifying his status as a legend.
A Lasting Influence
Though he no longer races, Griffiths remains deeply involved in the sport as a licensed trainer at Caymanas Park. His wealth of experience and tactical knowledge continue to shape the next generation of riders, ensuring that his legacy lives on.
From the thunderous applause of race-day victories to his enduring presence in the sport, Winston ‘Fanna’ Griffiths embodies the very essence of greatness in Jamaican horse racing. His story is one of perseverance, talent, and an unrelenting drive for excellence—a true Untold Story of an Incredible Jamaican.