Page 8 - July 2005 The Game

8 The Game, July 2005 Your Thoroughbred Racing Community Newspaper
Tommy Wolski
On Sunday, June 12 2005, jockey Chris Loseth, perhaps the greatest jockey to ride in British Columbia, woke up at 4 am to begin what would be a routine day for more than thirty-one years.
Only this time rather then tell his wife Tracy (McCarthy), he would meet her at their barn where she trains horses, Loseth leaned over to her and said. "Honey, I made up my mind. I am going into the jock's room and let the riders know this is my last day of riding."
Tracy’s response was simple, "Chris are you sure you do not want to wait until next Friday to make the announcement?
"I should have known his answer would be no. Because if you know Chris, when he makes up his mind to do something there is no turning back.” said McCarthy
Always known for avoiding any media spotlight and usually directing it to someone else, Loseth chose that same thinking with announcing his retirement.
That afternoon, Loseth lived up to his word; he went to each jockey riding on that day and privately informed them of his decision.
For the rest of that day, the atmosphere in the jockey's room was of shock,
disappointment and also happiness.
His peers knew, he would now be
moving onto another phase in his life.
For over four hours, no one leaked the news until he went out for the final ride of
his illustrious career. Itwasamazinghowsomethingofthis
magnitude was kept hushed from the media. And only proves how much respect Loseth has received from his peers.
His retirement only became public during the post parade announced of his final race and only after Loseth said it was okay.
After his last ride he returned to the jockey's room and you could sense emptiness not only from his fellow riders, but from the many valets who helped saddle the 3367 winners Loseth had ridden.
Considering all of his racing accomplishments, Loseth could have easily prolonged his retirement announcement for pure self-gratification as many professional athletes tend to do.
But in his typical style, he declined, this would not have been the Chris Loseth we had gotten to know.
Because of the respect he held for his profession, Loseth took great pleasure in how he handled himself on and off the racetrack.
His lighter side and good will were often never revealed.
For more than two decades, he was a representative on the Jockeys’ Benefit Association of Canada for the riders on the
west Coast.
Seven years ago,
he became the first west coast based rider in modern
times to be named National President of the JBAC. He will continue on in his position with the Association until the end of this Canadian thoroughbred horseracingseason.
"I can not recall a
situation ever when he
took advantage of a
circumstance that would
have benefited him per-
sonally. He has done an
amazing job representing
the riders." said Keith Smith, Senior Steward, for the Gaming Policy Enforcement Branch.
His belief in being fair play can be reflected in a recent story relating to two riders, who during a race, became overly aggressive with one another.
"We asked both riders and Chris (Loseth) to appear before us as we investigated the incident. We asked Chris if he was familiar with the incident and he told us no. So we reviewed the race on tape and gave them our explanation on what our decision was based on." said Smith
"Following our decision, we asked if there were any comments from the riders involved. As one rider began to speak, Chris jumped out of his chair and told him to be quiet, as he could not have been treated any fairer than the way he had been. The rider went to speak again and Chris came across our office and took him by the arm and ushered him out the door. As they left, we could still him lecturing the jockey as they headed back to the jockeys room."
As a former jockey who has ridden and
Chris on his tractor at the farm
known Chris for years, I can only say on behalf of the entire horse racing industry in British Columbia. 'Thank You' for always being Chris.
As for his future, Loseth will soon begin the second phase of his life as a trainer. A career that will more than likely lead him back to his favourite place....the winner's circle.
THE LOSETH FILE
Highlights of jockey Chris Loseth's career: Sovereign Award apprentice jockey, 1974 Sovereign Award older jockey, 1984 Avelino Gomez Memorial Award, 2002* Most mounts -- 26,049
Most wins -- 3,667
Most seconds -- 3,419
Most thirds -- 3,130
Career purse earnings $32,491,564 (through 2004)
Most stakes wins -- 206
Most wins single day -- eight
*Loseth is the only rider in Canada
to win all three national awards.
The Gomez is awarded to a Canadian rider who has made a significant contribution to the sport.
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Second Annual Horsemen’s Golf Challenge
On Monday May 30, over 50 horsemen and women gathered at Caledon Golf Club just north of Woodbine Racetrack for an afternoon of golf in support of their own. This was the second year of the now Annual Event which is on behalf of Bradley Smythe, a racetracker who suc- cumbed to terminal illness shortly after the inaugural event in 2004. The tournament was initiated by Michael Luider, a best friend of Bradley for many years and a supporter of backstretch benevolence.
Through the generosity of the golfers who participated and the kind support of the sponsors, the tournament raised more than $ 3,200 which will benefit both The Bradley Smythe Foundation and the Woodbine Backstretch Chaplaincy which is led by Chaplain Shawn Kennedy.
The organizers, Mike Luider, Renee Kierans & Tim Orlando of Horsepower Racing would like to thank the following sponsors, who, without their support, the event would not be possible:
Jim McAleney, Horsepower Racing, Reade Baker, Nick DeToro, Sue Leslie, Robert Tiller, Lorne Spearman, Mike Luider, Corey Fraser, Danny Vella, Mike Doyle, Mark Frostad, HBPA of Ontario, Scott Fairlie, Woodbine Entertainment Group, Dr. John Starmer & Dr. Ted Coker, The Game Newspaper, Gerry Olguin, The Huarte Racing Family, and the Kuehne Racing Stable.
In addition, the following are kindly acknowledged for the help and support the day of the event: Tim Orlando, Brian Johnston, Shawn Kennedy and Emma Wilson.
We are pleased to congratulate the following tourna- ment winners:
Tournament Champions - Dead Heat between two teams each scoring 11 under par were the foursome of Constant Montpelier, Shane Learn, Len Madgett & Greg Broadhurst; and the foursome of Steve, Les and Jason Roberts along with Gordie Dick.
Finishing in third place with 8 under par were the four- some of Jody Hammet, Tony Esposito, Rui Pimental & Jerry Baird; and the winner of the very special “Just here to help fill a race” category were the foursome of Greg & Melissa DeGannes,
Michael Burns & Joanie Thompson.
The longest drive for the ladies was Liz Pathik and the mens longest drive was Jason Roberts. MensclosesttothepinwasAlbert
Couto.
Organizers are already looking forward to
next years’ event which is tentatively set for the Monday following Victoria Day and they are hoping for continued support from the thoroughbred community.
For information, contact Tim Orlando of Horsepower Racing at 416 806 0527 or tim- myo@sympatico.ca.
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