Former Assiniboia Downs champion jockey Prayven Badrie is embracing a new challenge at Woodbine Racetrack, determined to establish himself among one of North America’s most competitive riding colonies after relocating to Toronto earlier this season.
Prayven Badrie Woodbine move.
The 35-year-old rider arrives with a proven record and a reputation built over years of success across multiple circuits. After leading the jockey standings at Assiniboia Downs in both 2024 and 2025, Badrie’s momentum was interrupted when an injury in August sidelined him for the remainder of last year’s campaign.
Rather than dwelling on the setback, the Trinidad and Tobago-born jockey focused on recovery and the next stage of his career.
“It wasn’t my first time getting injured and I know there are obstacles, it’s part of my job,” Badrie said. “It’s just heal and get back out there.”
The decision to relocate to Woodbine followed discussions with his agent, David Brockhill, who encouraged him to pursue opportunities at Canada’s premier racing venue.
Badrie acknowledged that earning recognition at Woodbine presents a different challenge from his previous assignments. The riding room is filled with established names and experienced jockeys, meaning newcomers must earn opportunities through persistence and performance.
“We had a chat and he said I can make it here and I believe I can make it here as well,” Badrie said. “I’m working really hard so I’m getting a lot of horses in the morning.”
While adapting to a new environment, Badrie has found support from several trainers, including Philip Hall, whose stable has provided valuable opportunities both in morning workouts and race-day assignments.
One familiar face has also helped ease the transition.
Blazing Bo, a horse Badrie partnered successfully during his Assiniboia Downs days, made the move to Woodbine shortly before the jockey’s arrival. Their reunion quickly produced results when the pair combined for Badrie’s first victory at the Toronto track.
The six-year-old gelding led throughout a 5½-furlong claiming contest before holding on by a nose, giving Badrie a breakthrough moment at his new home base.
“I know him pretty good,” Badrie said. “We have a connection together, we’re never off the money.”
Their partnership previously yielded several notable performances at Assiniboia Downs, including victories in the R. J. Speers Memorial Stakes and the Harvey Warner Manitoba Mile Stakes, along with placings in other prominent races.
The early signs at Woodbine have been encouraging. In his opening weeks at the track, Badrie has recorded three wins, six runner-up finishes and four third-place efforts from 39 rides, steadily building momentum as he seeks more opportunities.
Across his North American career, the jockey has accumulated 301 victories from 1,789 starts while guiding horses to more than $3.1 million in earnings.
Hall believes Badrie’s horsemanship and attitude will serve him well as he works to establish himself in a highly competitive environment.
The trainer praised the rider’s patience, positive approach and ability to communicate effectively with horses, qualities that often prove just as important as race-day tactics.
Hall also stressed that success at Woodbine requires patience, with opportunities often taking time to materialise for newcomers regardless of their previous achievements elsewhere.
The jockey remains optimistic about the months ahead, particularly as the racing calendar begins to feature more route races and additional turf events.
Badrie believes longer distances suit his preferred riding style better than the sharp five-furlong sprints that dominate portions of the schedule. He also welcomes the return of racing on Woodbine’s inner turf course, a surface that reminds him of his early days learning the trade in Trinidad and Tobago.
Having developed his skills on both dirt and turf tracks in his homeland, Badrie feels especially comfortable when competing on grass.
For now, his objective remains straightforward: continue working hard, build relationships with trainers and owners, and lay the foundation for a stronger position next season.
The transition has not been easy, but Badrie understands that establishing a reputation at a major racing centre takes time. With a championship pedigree, proven determination and growing support around him, he believes the rewards will eventually follow.
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