Meet Jockey Xarel Forde

The Rising Star Taking Horse Racing by Storm

Jockey Xarel Forde made headlines at Woodbine Racetrack after piloting three winners in a single afternoon on Jun 20, 2025. This marked his first career treble on international soil. He achieved this milestone in just his 29th professional ride in Canada, and his race-riding skills exceeded what one would expect from a rookie.

The apprentice jockey’s name has become synonymous with success in the Canadian horse racing scene. His statistics tell a compelling story – a 31% win rate and 45% in-the-money finishes from his limited rides.

Forde’s rapid rise at Woodbine Racetrack builds on his early career in Barbados, before he brought his talents to Canada’s competitive thoroughbred racing circuit.

Though new to Woodbine’s jockey colony, Forde has shown he could be a serious contender for the Sovereign Award for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey, Canada’s highest honor for emerging riders.

His transformation from an international newcomer to a rising star highlights the exciting developments in Canadian horse racing today.

From Barbados to Woodbine: Xarel Forde’s Journey Begins

Xarel Forde’s path to Woodbine Racetrack started thousands of miles away in his homeland of Barbados. He showed natural talent as a horseman on the sunny Caribbean track at the Garrison Savannah and the Barbados Turf Club, which caught many racing professionals’ attention both at home and overseas.

After starting a strong career in Barbados, Forde set his sights on Canadian racing. The racing culture in his homeland was passionate but quite different from North America’s competitive circuits. His move to Woodbine, one of North America’s top racing venues, meant more than just changing locations – it opened doors to world-class facilities and bigger purses.

Forde began his Canadian career as an apprentice jockey. He brought valuable knowledge from his Barbadian racing days at the Garrison Savannah and learned to adapt his style to Woodbine’s longer synthetic and turf courses.

The move needed plenty of determination. He had to adjust to Toronto’s changing seasons, rather than the tropical weather, and build new professional connections from scratch. Yet his racing instincts and skills transferred naturally across continents, and he quickly made his mark on the Canadian racing scene.

Forde’s story shows the courage it takes to leave behind an established career in Barbados and test yourself against North America’s best riders. His bold move proved to be a wise investment in his future.

A Day to Remember: Forde’s First Riding Treble

Xarel Forde’s Canadian career took off on one electric afternoon at Woodbine Racetrack. The apprentice jockey amazed racing fans when he secured his first riding treble – a feat that even experienced jockeys rarely achieve.

That day became unforgettable as Forde showed exceptional racing instinct and tactical brilliance in three different races. Trainers noticed his perfect horse positioning and precise timing. They began seeking his services more often, despite his relatively new status at Woodbine.

His victories stood out because they happened on different racing surfaces. Forde won races on both the synthetic Tapeta surface and Woodbine’s famous E.P. Taylor turf course. This proved he could adapt to any racing condition. His strong presence in the saddle and gentle touch on the reins created a distinctive racing style that became his trademark.

The riding treble announced Forde’s arrival on the Canadian racing scene decisively. Other jockeys recognized the talented Barbadian’s skill, trainers booked him more often, and racing analysts listed him among the top apprentices to watch.

This milestone day changed everything. Forde evolved from an interesting international newcomer to a serious contender in the Woodbine jockey colony. He accomplished all this while maintaining the humble confidence that quickly became his signature trait.

Rising Stats and Growing Reputation

Xarel Forde’s meteoric rise in Canadian thoroughbred racing speaks for itself through impressive numbers. His debut season (up to Jul 29, 2025) showcases a remarkable 19% win rate and 40% in-the-money finishes from 96 starts.

His performance at Woodbine proves exceptional against tough competition. As of Jul 29, 2025, he has posted 17 victories with one winner at Fort Erie racetrack to make 18 in total from 96 rides. His talent also shines at Fort Erie, where he has scored a 33.3% win rate with one victory and two second-place finishes in just three races.

Further Reading – Explore More: Visit the Canadian Jockey Profiles on Jockeys Canada for detailed biographies and career accomplishments of other notable riders.

Forde has established himself as a frontrunner for the Sovereign Award for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey at Woodbine. His poise and dedication have earned widespread respect, marking him as one of Canadian racing’s brightest rising stars.

Conclusion

Xarel Forde’s rapid rise at Woodbine Racetrack proves his exceptional talent and determination. His impressive numbers tell the story. His experience from Barbados to Canada means more than just changing locations. It shows how horse racing talent spans the globe and the opportunities that top North American tracks provide.

This young apprentice has quickly earned the respect of trainers and fellow jockeys. His growing list of quality mounts and remarkable ROI for connections shows his value. He adapts well to different racing surfaces and conditions, making him a popular choice for rides despite being new to the scene.

Forde’s story reminds everyone that great talent can come from anywhere in racing. He looks more likely to win the Sovereign Award for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey as his reputation grows and his numbers keep getting better. The racing world watches with excitement as this Barbadian talent sharpens his skills against the best riders in North America.

The future looks bright for this rising star. His success demonstrates why horse racing enables dedicated and naturally gifted athletes to reach great heights. Forde inspires many international jockeys who dream of making a name for themselves on primary racing circuits. You can help support the Jockey’s Benefit Association of Canada to build on the legacy of riders who give everything to the sport. The next few seasons will reveal just how far this promising talent can go in a sport that values excellence and perseverance.

FAQs

Q1. What is Xarel Forde’s current win rate at Woodbine Racetrack? Xarel Forde currently maintains a 21.5% win rate at Woodbine Racetrack, with 17 victories from 79 rides.

Q2. How did Xarel Forde’s career in horse racing begin? Xarel Forde began his career as a jockey in Barbados before deciding to move to Canada and compete at Woodbine Racetrack.

Q3. What was Xarel Forde’s most significant achievement so far in Canada? Forde’s most significant achievement was securing his first riding treble at Woodbine Racetrack, winning three races in a single afternoon.

Q4. Is Xarel Forde considered a contender for any awards? Yes, Forde has emerged as a serious contender for the Sovereign Award for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey in Canada.

Q5. How has Xarel Forde performed across different racing surfaces? Forde has demonstrated versatility by winning on both the synthetic Tapeta surface and Woodbine’s E.P. Taylor turf course, showcasing his adaptability across different racing conditions.

References

• Jul 24, 2025 | Bug boy Forde turn­ing heads | By Ron Gierkink – Daily Racing Form National Digital Edition
• Jun 23, 2025  | Apprentice Jockey Xarel Forde Storms to First Career Treble at Woodbine | Racing Scene Live
• Jun 22, 2025 | Video – Xarel Forde Dominates Woodbine with 3 Big Wins – Exclusive Interview | Racing Scene Live
• May 12, 2025 | Apprentice Xarel Forde, won his first race since leaving Barbados | By: Jennifer Morrison – Canadian Thoroughbred

Jockeys Agent | Mike Luider | 647-321-0808 | 108 lbs

See current Equibase Stats for Jockey Xarel Forde

Photos compliments of Mr. Will Wong

Photos compliments of Mary Jane Sibbitt of Niagara Exposure Photography

Norm Files

Photos compliments of Sue Kozak

Photos compliments of Chris Tian Photography

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