Charles ”Boogleman” Hussey OD former Jamaican Champion Jockey

Charles Hussey is the son of the late Laurie Hussey and his wife Ruth Hussey, OD. Celebrated Horse-racing industry personalities, who later became hoteliers, their contribution to the horse-racing and hospitality industries are not only well documented, it has earned them many plaudits. They were also very successful breeders, whose emblem was the white Racing Silks adorned with multiple blue horseshoes. Owners of Everglades Farm in Trelawny. This Farm has a generational history, it began with Charlie’s grandfather at Salt Island in St. Catherine. Then transitioned to Trelawny. Grandfather Outurum Hussey was a Dairy Breeder and an avid horseman who rode as a hobby and competed in “Jim Canna” horseracing that was popular in that era, which saw horsemen with farms getting together and arranging races in their communities. Charles’s late father Laurie ventured into Thoroughbred Training and became an accomplished Conditioner. He Conditioned many winners including Titania that won the Jamaica Darby in 1975 ridden by the Legendary George HoSang OD. Among a number of notable accomplishments in.

A third generation of Hussey’s, Charles chose the angle of a jockey. He was born June 25th, 1957, at The Nuttall Hospital in Kingston. The oldest child with two sisters and two brothers. A graduate of Jamaica C

ollege. Charles could not escape the exposure to horses and farm life. His father was a trainer. He explained, “one day I told my father I would like to ride.” Quote: “My dad said,” “OK” “and threw me up, that’s the beginning of an illustrious and colourful career that allowed me fame, fortune, travel, a fulfilling opportunity to give back to the sports and developed a community of solid friendship.”

Charles’s began as a professional jockey in the 1970s.The youngest jockeys to ride in this time. His first career win was conditioned by his father “Freezing Fast” in September 1970. He became a master of the trade. Nicknamed 5 Straight Specialist and the Boogleman. He had mastered the techniques and skills to win the 5 Straight Races. It was a difficult task for riders to beat him. The Boogleman arose from the popular dance the Boogle Dance. The Dance was a difficult dance to imitate. Charles’s riding style was viewed as dancing in the saddle while racing. This unique style of riding worked miracles for him. It was a style difficult for fellow horsemen to imitate, hence the name the Boogleman.

Charles also developed the skills for handling difficult horses on and off the track, he is deemed a horse whisperer. His exposure to horses from a young age contributed to this.

A four- time Champion Jockey that holds the unique distinction of winning three Derbies. In Jamaica with Wells Fargo 1994, Terremoto 1998 and went on to win the Trinidad Derby with him in the same year. He was always runner up to George HoSang in the Jockey’s Championship. He was elated when George migrated to Canada. He ascended to the top position and became 4 times Champion Jockey.

Hussey’s discipline and professionalism earned him an invitation to ride in the USA. He rode among some of the greatest jockeys Angel Cordero, José Santos, Jorge Velasquez, Jose Velasquez and many top Panamanian jockeys in that era. Hussey was determined to succeed while exposed to racial discrimination, injuries and the stigma of from a Bush Track in Jamaica. From its inception Jamaica has one of the best Tracks in the world, “ignorance is a bliss” quote, English Poet Thomas Gray. Charles won several reputable races including The Arlington Washington Gr1.Stake Race the richest 2 YO race of the year with Splenderabuck a horse he still holds dearly to his heart. This race automatically qualified him for the Kentucky Derby. He was taken off for Angel Corder to ride him in the Kentucky Derby and he won 1984. The Cradle Stakes in Ohio and the Grade 2 Palos Verdes Handicap.

Similar to the legendary George HoSang OD moving to Canada and became champion jockey, paved the way for other Jamaicans to follow so did Charles’s stint in the USA. He and fellow Jamaican jockey Michael Lee paved the way for many other Jamaican Jockeys to follow. Both jockeys faced the stigmas attached to Jamaica, with hard work and perseverance hold their own and changed the narratives to gain respect for fellow Jamaican riders.

Hussey returned to Jamaica 1991 continued to ride and retired 2008. Now the owner of Signs By Charles LTD. A sign manufacturing company that also offered Technical Engineering in that field follow him on Instagram. He is also an Artist specializes in Equine Art; he does beautiful paintings of horses. Charles’s New Years resolution 2025 is to bask in his first love Equine Artwork, displaying the spirit, power and freedom of horses and horsemen through paintings. His first piece will be displayed at Caymanas Pk on Dec. 15th The 4th running of The Charles Hussey OD Trophy Race.

He has received multiple awards. In 2016 he was inducted in the Jamaica Racing Commission Hall Of Fame. The Order Of Distinction was conferred by the Government of Jamaica. Supreme Ventures LTD honoured him with the annual Charles Hussey OD. Five Straight Race in December.
He worked two years as a steward with the Jamaica Racing Commission.
He was an instructor at the Jockey Training School and the first to implement the mechanical horse to the Jockeys.

A mentor and philanthropist who has dedicated time to the Jamaica Thoroughbred Horsemen’s FD to assist horsemen in need. He has described his involvement as fulfilling to be able to give back to the sports that gave him so much.

At 67 yrs,old Charlie is vibrant, agile and energetic. He contributes this to maintaining the same healthy natural diet as a jockey and exercise. He gains only 3 lbs after stop riding 16 years ago. After 40 years as a Jockey Charles looks like he could get back in the saddle today.

December 15th is the 4th Running of The Charles Hussey OD. Trophy Race. The JTHF members will be at the track to celebrate his magnificent achievements. Invited guest legendary George HoSang OD and wife, Former Jockey and Trainer the legendary Donald Andrade and wife, Shay Subratie, Trainers Dalton Surjue, E.A. Subratie, Al Brown, brother Trainer Percival Hussey, Owner Andrew Azar, Chester Francis-Jackson among others.

On December 16th the celebrated retired, multiple award-winning Jockey Charles Hussey will be hosting an After Trophy Race Party
10 E North Ave , Kgn 10. Beside Kings Plaza.
Starting @ 6.30 pm until 11pm.
His Artwork will on display.
Proceed going to JTHF.