Canadian Sandy Hawley picks up 6,450th career win in Living Legends race
ARCADIA, Calif. — Back in the saddle at age 59, Canadian Sandy Hawley led all the way aboard Tribal Chief to earn his 6,450th career victory in the Living Legends race at Santa Anita on Saturday.
Hawley and seven other Hall of Fame jockeys came out of retirement for the race that officially counted in their career totals and was specially approved for legalized parimutuel wagering.
The riders' combined career earnings totalled more than US$1.5 billion from 49,164 victories. None of their mounts Saturday came close to matching the quality of the horses they rode to numerous Triple Crown wins over the years.
But the race was more about getting a chance to return to their previous lives for a brief time.
"It was like an 'E' ride ticket at Disneyland back in the day," said Gary Stevens, who like Jerry Bailey, now works as a TV racing commentator.
Added Chris McCarron, "That was such a blast."
Hawley, of Oshawa, Ont., and Tribal Chief took the lead out of the gate and went on to a 6 1/2-length victory in the seven-furlong race. They were timed in 1:21.03 over the track's new synthetic surface, made up of chunks of black rubber and fibres.
Bailey finished second aboard Dee Dee's Legacy, paying $5.20 and $3.60. Scandalous and Stevens were third and paid $4 to show.
Pat Day was fourth, Julie Krone fifth, Jacinto Vasquez sixth, McCarron seventh and Angel Cordero Jr. was last. Cups of water were handed out to the thirsty riders in the winner's circle.
"I would've liked to be on Sandy Hawley's horse," said Vasquez, second-oldest in the field at 64.
As he waited to guide Tribal Chief into the winner's circle, Hawley poured a bottle of water over his horse's neck and then drank some himself on a hot day.
Hawley, known for his prowess at winning while on the lead, got plenty of laughs from his fellow retirees when he dismounted by leaping off Tribal Chief.
"The horse dragged me around there real nice. It's a great thrill," he said. "I'll have to find out when he's running back. Maybe I can get the call."
Hawley looked slim and trim in his gold and navy blue silks that featured a trumpet emblem, signifying owner-brothers David and Herb Alpert, who led the Tijuana Brass and co-founded A&M Records.
"This guy got more out of a horse than any rider I know," said Laffit Pincay Jr., whose career was ended by injuries that prevented him from participating in the race.
Mounts were drawn by lot, and each horse carried, ahem, 126 pounds. Stevens had to lose 15 pounds to make the riding weight. More than just protective vests bulged under the silks of a few riders.
"I miss it, oh yeah, I do," McCarron said. "More than ever, actually. The camaraderie, the excitement, the exhilaration, just the thought of going out there and riding again is very exciting."
Tribal Chief paid $7.80, $4 and $3.20 as the 5-2 wagering favourite.
"I was a little skeptical until I saw the day. It's a great turnout," said winning trainer John Sadler, who also saddled fourth-place finisher Swift Demand. "The main thing we wanted was for everyone to be safe."
Everyone except Krone won at least 4,000 races in their careers.
As the jockeys were introduced before the race, Bailey carried a chair into the winner's circle for Cordero to sit on. At 65, Cordero was the oldest rider and the only one eligible for Social Security. He still gets on horses as an exercise rider for trainer Todd Pletcher in New York and is the agent for jockey John Velazquez.
"It was fun to participate with all these guys," Cordero said. "When you do it every day, you stay fit."
McCarron, who runs a jockeys' school in Kentucky, touted his services for next weekend's Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita.
"I rode in an exhibition race a year after I retired. It didn't refire me," he said. "Son of a gun, this did. Is there anything open next Friday or Saturday? I'm here. I'm not going home until next Sunday."
The riders were warmly welcomed by fans, who called out their favourites' names.
"It was fun," said Krone, a mother of one. "The fans made it special. It was a beautiful day."
The race was intended as a one-time kickoff event to Breeders' Cup week, but that may change.
"A couple riders came up and said, 'Let's do it again next year,"' said Sherwood Chillingworth, director of the track's Oak Tree meeting. "It was a return to old times we wish we had."
Hawley said if he's invited he'd come back to defend his title.
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5i9yaNekB-DCESqU44UU58xVacFvQ
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Hawley King of Tribe in Legends Race
by Tracy Gantz
Sandy Hawley after winning the Living Legends race aboard Tribal Chief.
Photo: Benoit
Sandy Hawley may have won the Living Legends race on Tribal Chief against seven fellow Hall of Fame former riders, but nobody had more fun than Julie Krone and Chris McCarron.
“I want to do this again,” Krone said shortly after finishing fifth on Major Smoke.
McCarron said the Living Legends race re-ignited his passion for riding the way competing in other celebrity races never has.
“That was such a blast,” said McCarron. His mount, Waafi, bled and finished next to last, but that didn’t bother McCarron. “I beat (Angel) Cordero. That was my only goal.”
Fans lined up earlier in the day to get autographs from the eight riders—Hawley, Krone, McCarron, Cordero, Jerry Bailey, Gary Stevens, Pat Day, and Jacinto Vasquez—and the three Hall of Fame ambassadors—Laffit Pincay Jr., Eddie Delahoussaye, and Jorge Velasquez. The day even brought out racing’s newest Hall of Fame jockey member, as Milo Valenzuela joined the others in the winner’s circle.
“I love the fans here,” said Hawley, who rode in Southern California for 20 years. “Even when you lose, they never get very upset with you. It’s great to be back.”
The eight jockeys competed in a seven-furlong allowance/optional claiming race for California-breds. Bailey and Dee Dee’s Legacy were the morning-line favorites, but by post time, Hawley and Tribal Chief were the 3-1 choice.
Hawley got a noisy ovation from fellow Canadians in the walking ring.
“We have about 10 people with us here,” Hawley said, “and there are several Canadians in town with Breeders’ Cup horses.”
McCarron, Stevens, and Krone, none long gone from the California jockey ranks, received boisterous ovations from fans lining the walking ring.
Tribal Chief is a front-runner for trainer John Sadler, and Hawley rode to instructions, putting the 4-year-old gelding on the lead when the gate opened. Bailey closed some ground around the turn and into the stretch, but then Hawley opened up, winning by 6 1/2 lengths in 1:21.03
David and Herb Alpert own Tribal Chief. David and his wife, Merryl, were in the winner’s circle to receive the trophy.
“This is our Kentucky Derby,” Merryl Alpert said.
“This means a lot to us,” added David Alpert, “because Sandy Hawley back in 1977 won three races in a row for us on Hello Hostess, in April, May, and June. Noble Threewitt was our trainer.”
The win went onto Hawley’s permanent record, moving him from 6,449 victories to 6,450.
“I always hoped to get to ’50, but I never thought I’d do it,” said Hawley.
Though the riders ranged in age from Cordero’s 65 to Krone and Stevens’ 45, once the jockeys donned silks again, in many cases it looked as if they had never been away.
After the jockeys brought their mounts back to be unsaddled, McCarron feigned exhaustion.
“I need water,” he yelped, pretending to be rubber-legged. In fact, he has been staying in shape getting on horses in Kentucky, where he runs a school for prospective jockeys.
http://racing.bloodhorse.com/article/47610.htm
ARCADIA, Calif. — Back in the saddle at age 59, Canadian Sandy Hawley led all the way aboard Tribal Chief to earn his 6,450th career victory in the Living Legends race at Santa Anita on Saturday.
Hawley and seven other Hall of Fame jockeys came out of retirement for the race that officially counted in their career totals and was specially approved for legalized parimutuel wagering.
The riders' combined career earnings totalled more than US$1.5 billion from 49,164 victories. None of their mounts Saturday came close to matching the quality of the horses they rode to numerous Triple Crown wins over the years.
But the race was more about getting a chance to return to their previous lives for a brief time.
"It was like an 'E' ride ticket at Disneyland back in the day," said Gary Stevens, who like Jerry Bailey, now works as a TV racing commentator.
Added Chris McCarron, "That was such a blast."
Hawley, of Oshawa, Ont., and Tribal Chief took the lead out of the gate and went on to a 6 1/2-length victory in the seven-furlong race. They were timed in 1:21.03 over the track's new synthetic surface, made up of chunks of black rubber and fibres.
Bailey finished second aboard Dee Dee's Legacy, paying $5.20 and $3.60. Scandalous and Stevens were third and paid $4 to show.
Pat Day was fourth, Julie Krone fifth, Jacinto Vasquez sixth, McCarron seventh and Angel Cordero Jr. was last. Cups of water were handed out to the thirsty riders in the winner's circle.
"I would've liked to be on Sandy Hawley's horse," said Vasquez, second-oldest in the field at 64.
As he waited to guide Tribal Chief into the winner's circle, Hawley poured a bottle of water over his horse's neck and then drank some himself on a hot day.
Hawley, known for his prowess at winning while on the lead, got plenty of laughs from his fellow retirees when he dismounted by leaping off Tribal Chief.
"The horse dragged me around there real nice. It's a great thrill," he said. "I'll have to find out when he's running back. Maybe I can get the call."
Hawley looked slim and trim in his gold and navy blue silks that featured a trumpet emblem, signifying owner-brothers David and Herb Alpert, who led the Tijuana Brass and co-founded A&M Records.
"This guy got more out of a horse than any rider I know," said Laffit Pincay Jr., whose career was ended by injuries that prevented him from participating in the race.
Mounts were drawn by lot, and each horse carried, ahem, 126 pounds. Stevens had to lose 15 pounds to make the riding weight. More than just protective vests bulged under the silks of a few riders.
"I miss it, oh yeah, I do," McCarron said. "More than ever, actually. The camaraderie, the excitement, the exhilaration, just the thought of going out there and riding again is very exciting."
Tribal Chief paid $7.80, $4 and $3.20 as the 5-2 wagering favourite.
"I was a little skeptical until I saw the day. It's a great turnout," said winning trainer John Sadler, who also saddled fourth-place finisher Swift Demand. "The main thing we wanted was for everyone to be safe."
Everyone except Krone won at least 4,000 races in their careers.
As the jockeys were introduced before the race, Bailey carried a chair into the winner's circle for Cordero to sit on. At 65, Cordero was the oldest rider and the only one eligible for Social Security. He still gets on horses as an exercise rider for trainer Todd Pletcher in New York and is the agent for jockey John Velazquez.
"It was fun to participate with all these guys," Cordero said. "When you do it every day, you stay fit."
McCarron, who runs a jockeys' school in Kentucky, touted his services for next weekend's Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita.
"I rode in an exhibition race a year after I retired. It didn't refire me," he said. "Son of a gun, this did. Is there anything open next Friday or Saturday? I'm here. I'm not going home until next Sunday."
The riders were warmly welcomed by fans, who called out their favourites' names.
"It was fun," said Krone, a mother of one. "The fans made it special. It was a beautiful day."
The race was intended as a one-time kickoff event to Breeders' Cup week, but that may change.
"A couple riders came up and said, 'Let's do it again next year,"' said Sherwood Chillingworth, director of the track's Oak Tree meeting. "It was a return to old times we wish we had."
Hawley said if he's invited he'd come back to defend his title.
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5i9yaNekB-DCESqU44UU58xVacFvQ
_____________________________________________________________
Hawley King of Tribe in Legends Race
by Tracy Gantz
Sandy Hawley after winning the Living Legends race aboard Tribal Chief.
Photo: Benoit
Sandy Hawley may have won the Living Legends race on Tribal Chief against seven fellow Hall of Fame former riders, but nobody had more fun than Julie Krone and Chris McCarron.
“I want to do this again,” Krone said shortly after finishing fifth on Major Smoke.
McCarron said the Living Legends race re-ignited his passion for riding the way competing in other celebrity races never has.
“That was such a blast,” said McCarron. His mount, Waafi, bled and finished next to last, but that didn’t bother McCarron. “I beat (Angel) Cordero. That was my only goal.”
Fans lined up earlier in the day to get autographs from the eight riders—Hawley, Krone, McCarron, Cordero, Jerry Bailey, Gary Stevens, Pat Day, and Jacinto Vasquez—and the three Hall of Fame ambassadors—Laffit Pincay Jr., Eddie Delahoussaye, and Jorge Velasquez. The day even brought out racing’s newest Hall of Fame jockey member, as Milo Valenzuela joined the others in the winner’s circle.
“I love the fans here,” said Hawley, who rode in Southern California for 20 years. “Even when you lose, they never get very upset with you. It’s great to be back.”
The eight jockeys competed in a seven-furlong allowance/optional claiming race for California-breds. Bailey and Dee Dee’s Legacy were the morning-line favorites, but by post time, Hawley and Tribal Chief were the 3-1 choice.
Hawley got a noisy ovation from fellow Canadians in the walking ring.
“We have about 10 people with us here,” Hawley said, “and there are several Canadians in town with Breeders’ Cup horses.”
McCarron, Stevens, and Krone, none long gone from the California jockey ranks, received boisterous ovations from fans lining the walking ring.
Tribal Chief is a front-runner for trainer John Sadler, and Hawley rode to instructions, putting the 4-year-old gelding on the lead when the gate opened. Bailey closed some ground around the turn and into the stretch, but then Hawley opened up, winning by 6 1/2 lengths in 1:21.03
David and Herb Alpert own Tribal Chief. David and his wife, Merryl, were in the winner’s circle to receive the trophy.
“This is our Kentucky Derby,” Merryl Alpert said.
“This means a lot to us,” added David Alpert, “because Sandy Hawley back in 1977 won three races in a row for us on Hello Hostess, in April, May, and June. Noble Threewitt was our trainer.”
The win went onto Hawley’s permanent record, moving him from 6,449 victories to 6,450.
“I always hoped to get to ’50, but I never thought I’d do it,” said Hawley.
Though the riders ranged in age from Cordero’s 65 to Krone and Stevens’ 45, once the jockeys donned silks again, in many cases it looked as if they had never been away.
After the jockeys brought their mounts back to be unsaddled, McCarron feigned exhaustion.
“I need water,” he yelped, pretending to be rubber-legged. In fact, he has been staying in shape getting on horses in Kentucky, where he runs a school for prospective jockeys.
http://racing.bloodhorse.com/article/47610.htm