After two years of training in Saudi Arabia, renowned horse trainer Jimmy Jerkens is preparing for a new chapter back in the United States. Jerkens has spent over 20 months under contract with Prince Faisal bin Khalid Al Saud, where he revitalized his career and achieved notable success. Despite this progress, Jerkens expressed a strong desire to return home, driven by both professional and personal reasons.

Jerkens' tenure in Saudi Arabia has been marked by steady performance. He has managed to secure 21 victories during his time there, maintaining a winning rate of approximately 16%, which is commendable given the competitive nature of the region's races. However, Jerkens acknowledges that financial rewards have not matched the win rate, partly due to the large fields and less suitable race conditions for some of his horses. One standout performer has been Music Critic, a promising young talent who made an impressive debut in Riyadh, winning a 1400-meter race. Despite initial challenges with the horse's development, Music Critic showed significant improvement and potential.

The decision to return to the U.S. is deeply personal for Jerkens. His wife Shirley has struggled to adapt to life in Saudi Arabia, citing a lack of employment opportunities and social engagement. This separation has taken its toll, making Jerkens yearn for home. Upon his return, Jerkens aims to re-establish himself in the New York racing circuit, where he once enjoyed considerable success. With a rich history of training top-tier horses like Quality Road and Artie Schiller, Jerkens is determined to rebuild a competitive stable. The upcoming challenge will be to regain his former standing against leading trainers in the industry. Jerkens remains optimistic about the future, ready to embrace the opportunities that await him back home.

The ebb and flow of a career in horse racing often mirrors the resilience required in life. For Jimmy Jerkens, returning to familiar grounds offers not only a chance to reconnect with loved ones but also to reignite his passion for the sport. His journey underscores the importance of perseverance and the belief that every setback can lead to a new beginning. As Jerkens prepares for this next phase, the racing community looks forward to witnessing his resurgence and the contributions he will undoubtedly make to the sport.