Horse Racing Fantasy Community

Hey everyone. I thought I’d write a bit today about a couple of things – my background and some great tips I’ve learned throughout my years of racing. I was born and raised with horses – first for pleasure and then later as a career. All of my life, I’ve had a passion for the game and just an ultimate love for the horse. I believe that those things have helped me be successful in my career, in addition to the fact that I have a very strong desire to be number one, a common drive that you’ll find looking through any jockey’s room. By the time I was seven years old, my dad had built a bush track down in my home of southern Louisiana. When I first started riding, I had no idea there was such a thing as professional racing. But when I was 10 or 11, I actually started working at the trade by galloping horses before and after school – I earned three dollars a mount. By the time I was fourteen, I started race riding at the bush track that my father was a part of. During my teenage years, I rode probably a couple hundred winners. Eventually, I got my jockey’s license at Evangline Downs in Louisiana, a track that kicked off the careers of a lot of big name riders.

One thing I’ve found that has been a tremendous factor in my career is my constant, deep passion for the game. I have a feeling that all of you can relate to – in real life or in the game, having the competitive drive to be number one and a real passion for the sport in general will inevitable help you improve. I also have learned to really read the horse and read the race. I feel like I know what a horse is going to do as he thinks it. Some guys have trouble telling how fast they’re going, but I feel very comfortable in that regard. I think it’s very important – for me or for you as you are playing the game – to be constantly aware of your surroundings. There are so many different factors that affect the outcome of a race. I have to be alert at all times. When it comes to judging pace in a race, I find it more helpful to observe what’s going on around me. As far as what’s underneath me, I can really only tell about pacing or speed if the horse is straining. However, ultimately speed is determined by having your eyes open and paying attention to your surroundings – how fast the grounds is moving below you or how the rails are flying by. Paying attention to those things have helped me more accurately judge speed and pace. And always remember, there is no substitute for good old fashioned practice and passion. If you continue to practice in the game and always try to improve your skills, you will enjoy yourself and see success. Good luck and happy racing!