The world of Thoroughbred horse racing is one of intense passion, fleeting moments of glory, and the deep, unspoken bond between horse and human. In this demanding world, some individuals leave a mark that transcends wins and losses. Ricky Griffith was one such individual. A celebrated jockey turned masterful horse trainer, Griffith was a cornerstone of the Canadian racing community, a trailblazer for his countrymen, and a horseman of the highest caliber whose influence will be felt for generations to come. His passing in August 2023 was a profound loss, but his story of dedication, talent, and resilience remains a powerful inspiration.
From Barbados to Belmont: The Jockey Years
Ricky Griffith’s journey in racing was practically preordained. Born in Barbados, he was the son of Geoffrey Griffith, a successful jockey himself. Growing up around the Garrison Savannah racetrack, the thunder of hooves was the soundtrack to his youth. Alongside his friend Sean Hall, he learned to ride at Melrose Stables, honing the foundational skills that would later define his career. While initially not as keen as his friends, the allure of the track soon took hold, and by 15, he had his professional riding license.
His talent was immediately apparent. In 1984, in a moment of destiny, Griffith guided a reserve horse named Tinkers Image to victory in the prestigious Barbados Cockspur Gold Cup, becoming the first Bajan rider to win the event. This was just the beginning. A year later, he made his way to North America, securing his first win at the legendary Belmont Park aboard a horse named Make Mea Match.
In 1987, a vacation to Canada with fellow rider Anthony Husbands turned into a life-changing move. He began riding at the Ontario circuits of Fort Erie, Greenwood, and Woodbine, with his first Canadian victory aptly coming aboard a horse named Rising Young Star. Griffith was not just another rider; he was, as one peer described him, a “polished rider” with a natural rhythm and ambidextrous skill. His professionalism and success had what his brother Chris called a “butterfly effect,” opening the stable doors for a wave of talented Barbadian horsepeople who followed in his footsteps. Over his career in the saddle, Ricky Griffith amassed nearly 500 wins and earned over $7 million.
A Masterful Eye: Griffith’s Transition to Training
After a distinguished career as a jockey, Griffith hung up his racing tack in 1998 to pursue his other great love: training. He embarked on an eleven-year apprenticeship as an assistant to the legendary trainer Mark Casse, who was then building his world-renowned stable. This period was transformative. Griffith himself likened the experience to “going to Harvard or Yale for the racing business,” absorbing every detail of conditioning, managing, and developing elite equine athletes.
His mentor saw the immense potential. “Ricky is a hard worker and a great horseman,” Mark Casse said in 2009. “I’m excited to see him go out on his own and I am sure he will be very successful.”
And successful he was. In 2009, Ricky Griffith took out his trainer’s license and opened his own stable, starting with a string of horses for prominent owner Glenn Harvey. His first victory as a trainer came that same year at Fort Erie with a horse named Fudge the Books. From there, his reputation for meticulous care and a keen eye for talent only grew.
“Ricky possessed an innate understanding of a horse’s potential,” notes Dr. Eleanor Vance, a respected equine sports analyst. “He didn’t just see the athlete in front of him; he saw the heart, the grit, and the subtle signs of a future champion. That’s a gift, not just a skill.”
Training Triumphs and Notable Horses
As a trainer, Ricky Griffith conditioned more than 200 winners and his stable earned over $6.6 million. He trained numerous stakes winners, including standouts like Dan The Tin Man, Savvy Hester, and Sav. However, his greatest talent may have been his remarkable ability to identify diamonds in the rough at horse sales.
His most legendary purchase came in 2012 when he bought a yearling filly named Ria Antonia for his son for a mere $9,000. Under his guidance, the filly showed immense promise at Woodbine. After she was sold to American interests, Ria Antonia went on to win the 2013 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies. That $9,000 prospect was later sold as a broodmare for an astonishing $1.8 million—a testament to Griffith’s incredible eye for a horse. An assistant who worked with him for years, Keith Edwards, noted that if Ricky Griffith was bidding on a horse, others took notice because he had “this special eye.”
Ricky Griffith horse trainer looking thoughtfully at a thoroughbred, symbolizing his keen eye for equine potential.
A Courageous Battle and Lasting Legacy
In November 2019, after winning a stakes race with his horse Sav, the racing community noticed Griffith’s speech was slurred in a post-race interview. It was the first public sign of what would be diagnosed as Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease.
Despite the devastating diagnosis, Ricky Griffith’s spirit remained unbroken. He continued to manage his stable with unwavering dedication. Even when he could no longer be physically present at the barn, he would text his assistant detailed instructions for each horse every single morning. His mind and his horseman’s intuition remained as sharp as ever.
Ricky Griffith passed away on August 1, 2023, but his legacy is indelible. He is remembered not only for his incredible accomplishments as a jockey and Ricky Griffith Horse Trainer but also for his character. Friends and family recall a “fun loving person” with a “catching” personality who loved to make people laugh. Above all, he was a trailblazer who carved a path from Barbados to the highest levels of Canadian horse racing, demonstrating what was possible through talent, professionalism, and hard work. As his brother Chris so aptly put it, “He’s gone, but he is always going to be here.”
