keeping up with the Jones

When I first met Slade Jones I couldn't believe how opened and relaxed he was to not only a stranger but also to media.  With his level of comfort at 16 years old and coming back to his land of birth with his developed Barbadian accent and charisma he seemed to be quite alert of his surroundings.  

He praised all the veterans who gave him encouragement and complimented them in public. He shook hands with no remorse during a time when we were told not to touch hands because of the pandemic.  

Slade Jones

He didn't win his first mount at Woodbine racetrack, those moments are special. 

Perhaps not winning his first mount gave him the fire to grind even harder or perhaps he has the DNA of a winner even at his tender age. Nevertheless, he has created a buzz among horse people and he has drawn lots of interest on track with handicappers also.

To date  he has a record of 230 starts, 33 wins, 29 seconds, 26 thirds and a purse earnings of $991,397 shown on the equibase statistics.

On Sunday September 18th in the 9th race at Woodbine racetrack, Slade Jones will have to go deep to be even more impressive as he takes on some seasoned veterans in the Singspiel stakes.  The race itself is 1 3/8 miles on the turf and his horse Enchant Me being the longest shot in the field will have some class test to prove.  He rides for trainer Santino C. DiPaola who is clicking at an 8% win percentage on the season.

derek.barntrack@gmail.com