Well, the Santa Anita Meet has started and I'm excited with the beautiful weather and some of the great horses I'm actually training in the mornings. I can tell I'm sitting on some good horses and can't wait to ride them on race day. One of the best feelings I have - and I guess any jockey has - is working out with talented horses and waiting for that workout to convert into a top racing effort, and hopefully a winning one.
I've been in California over three months now and everything is settled in and I'm enjoying myself in this beautiful Southern California weather. Don't get me wrong, I miss Canada, but I took a shot and I'm glad I did. Sometimes making a change is difficult, but I guess from all my years of experience as a jockey and knowing that sometimes you have to make changes in order to adjust makes the change itself less difficult. I feel blessed to be surrounded with one of the best jockey colonies I've ever ridden with, and at the same time know that they are my friends. Although it's all about competing, everyone is playing it safe. I can't describe the excitement I have when winning a race, but if you're ever at the track, pay close attention to my expressions when I cross the finish line and you'll get a good idea.
We have a special version of the game (Horse Race Game jockeys) that allows us to play offline because for the most part, we cannot use the Internet while racing. Therefore, my stats aren't reporting to the community. That's bad because, since the start of the meet, at least in the game, I'm red-hot (maybe I should say pink-hot)! Maybe it's because of that anticipation that I will soon be riding some really good horses.
Well, off to the gym. I'm enjoying my day off. I look forward to chatting with you guys. Any questions, please ask. Just don't ask me which finger to use when controlling the horses in the game. I'm still trying to figure that out myself.
- Chantal
Sounds exciting! I hope the horses you're riding bring you plenty of wins at the Santa Anita Meet. Keep us updated on it! That would be nice if they could show your jockey stats (in the game) on the community. Maybe they'll figure something out for it. Glad you're having a nice day off! And I love your comment about being pink-hot, lol.
Kayla
P.S. I can't wait to see you, Mike, Joe, Aaron, and some of the other jockeys, in the Animal Planet Series!
Hi, Chantal,
Many years ago they used to train the horses before sunrise. I always thought, geez (sp) , how do they see where they're going? LOL I'm wondering, do they still do that now? If not, what time do they start training in the morning?
Are you under strict orders by the trainer to run (train) the way he/she tells you to, or are you on your own?
They used to say, some jockeys have clocks in their heads. I bet they still say that. Anyway, good luck at Santa Anita and your future as a jockey. I hope you make it up to Golden Gates Fields soon, so I could say hi and take your picture.
I Hope You Win As Many Races As You Can!!I'm Alwats Rooting For You In Every Race That Your In!!
Mike Smith Is Awesome!!!OH YA!!
I Know This Is WAYYYYYY of topic but me and my hudband were just saying how lucky you are to have a guy like mike!We hope our daughter is as lucky as you even though she has a good 20 years to go!!
Hey Chantal! I saw your win on Pretty Unusal beating Stardom Bound! Great Job! Your beating the boys and showing that 2010 will be the year of the females!(hopefully!go girls!)
Hey Chantal.
I have followed your career with great interest over the years. I drove harness horses as a professional driver for 27 years and still follow the circuit.
I trained horses for your dad and drove some of his first harness horses. Of course he has gone on to some bigger and better ones since then. Please say hello to Hugh for me and give him my regards.
Good luck at Santa Anita this meet.
Scott Rowe
Last time you were racing in Santa Anita, you were not doing so well. Are you really doing well? Anyway, I hope you are going to win or else get in the money. Your number one fan, ntra123.
Good luck in the upcoming breeders cup races . I'm following your jockey career since you were riding in canada (Watching races on simulcast). I 'm confident that 2012 season will end up for you with breeders cup classic victory.
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