Patrick Husbands has confirmed that one of the most durable and respected riding careers in modern Canadian racing is drawing to a close but only after his final season at Woodbine. 

The 52-year-old jockey, a long-standing fixture at Woodbine and a member of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, has announced plans to retire from race riding after more than 35 years in the saddle. Husbands has indicated that his final Barbados appearance will take place in his native Barbados, allowing him to end his career in front of the racing community that shaped his early years.

Rather than setting a single home farewell date, Husbands has invited public participation in deciding how his career will conclude. This was reported by the Carribean Broadcast Corporation.Two options have been put forward: the January 31, 2026, Tanglewood and Coolmore feature race day, or the March 7, 2026, running of the Sandy Lane Gold Cup, the island’s premier race. The move has generated strong interest locally and reflects the esteem in which he is held both at home and abroad.

Husbands’ career record places him among the most accomplished jockeys in Canadian racing history. He has ridden more than 3,500 winners, claimed multiple Sovereign Awards as Canada’s champion jockey, and enjoyed success in nearly every major race on the Woodbine calendar. Renowned for his professionalism, race-reading ability, and longevity, he continued to compete at the highest level well into his 50s.

While his retirement will mark the end of an era on the Canadian circuit later this year, Husbands has suggested he intends to remain involved in the sport in a non-riding capacity. For now, the focus is on celebrating a career defined by consistency, resilience, and excellence, with a farewell that will take place on his own terms.

Image Canadian Hall Of Fame