Page 11 - July 2007 The Game

Canada’s Thoroughbred Racing Newspaper
The Game, July 2007 11
Journeyman jockey David Garcia arrived in Ontario last November from Hoosier Park in Indiana. The Mexican born jockey got the notion to ride at Woodbine after a visit to the track with friends who live in Quebec.
David recorded his second win in Canada on June 19 at Fort Erie aboard the John MacKenzie trained, Ivy Lea in an $8000 claimer. His first win was at Woodbine for trainer Jerry Seymour, which was his fifth mount at the track.
David’s riding career began at age 17 in the United States when he immigrated to join his brother Gilberto, who was an exercise rider at River Downs. He had been galloping horses for a mere three weeks when he was approached by an agent who asked him if he wanted to ride.
“I was really surprised how fast it happened.” said the quiet spo- ken jockey, “I started galloping, I wanted to be a jockey, and a week after the agent approached me I was riding
races.”
The now 34 year old jockey has close to 1000 career
wins and has raced at Turfway, Monmouth, Garden State and Philadelphia Park.
David moved to Toronto with his wife and 2 children and says that he hopes to break in the the competitive jockey colony in Ontario. “I would like to one day break in here.” he said determinedly, “I work hard and keep trying. I am very happy with my agent (Greg Broadhurst). He knows everybody and I have good faith that if I’m gonna make it, it’ll be with him.”
Regular BC rider, Anthony Stephens, will be plying his trade at Woodbine after waiting more than five years to receive his landed immigrant status for Canada.
Anthony began his riding career in Trinidad and Tobago where he was born and raised. He rode for three years and was a champion for two before accepting a
contract to ride for the Macau Jockey Club in Asia. When his six year contract was about to expire, it was fellow countryman and jockey Schemlin Montoute, who recommended that Anthony try Canada as an option to
further his career.
With the help of Hastings
Racecourse racing secretary Lorne Mitchell,Vancouver BC was the intended destination in Canada for Anthony and his family. Vancouver also offered a highly regarded school for his daughter, who had been born profoundly deaf.
Anthony continued his riding in
the United States while his contract permit for Canada was being processed eventually arriving in Vancouver in 2002.
Anthony fit in nicely at Hastings finishing in the top ten that first year.
Most recently Anthony rode in India for 4 months before being called back to Canada to renew his medical certificate in compliance with his landed immigrant application. He then travelled to Hong Kong on contract and
after two weeks was again was called back, this time to become landed.
Anthony arrived at Woodbine on June 12 while his wife Henike, and their two children remain in BC.
Anthony explained that his second child, a son, was also born deaf, and that both of his children have since had a cochlear implant and can both hear. His family will be joining him in Toronto once his son has com- pleted another three years at an oral centre in Vancouver.
Anthony said that he had always wanted to come to Toronto mentioning that he is used to riding on a mile track.
“Coming here is amazing.” says the personable 33-year-old jockey. “I know so many people. Its like coming back home. I used to ride with Ramsammy, Husbands, Jono Jones and a lot of the exercise riders I see here.”
Anthony says that his goal is to leave a good impression, to do well and have fun doing it.
“I know it tough, anywhere in racing, for the new guy. I’m a hard worker and I am willing to put in the time.”
Continued page 12 - See New Jockeys
David Garcia
Anthony Stephens
New Faces on the Jockey Scene in Ontario
RESEARCHED PROVEN
TRUSTED
Just Ask “Bob” at Woodbine 416.453.7038
Proud to be Canadian Owned
905-261-8458 • 905-985-7992 www.brooksfeeds.com or www.ker.com
Better feeds result in sounder, healthier horses
Flax Appeal High in Omega 3 fats, high quality fibre adds
energy for stretch run endurance.
Pro Sport Plus Formulated with highly digestible fibre, fat & grain.
The winning choice of many top trainers.
Phase III The “right” mix of Fibre, fat and starch for
improved performance and health.
Un-Ti Low starch, high energy to keep your horse training
every day.
Animal Science Extension
Equine Short Courses
12 Week Race Track Programs Exercise Rider/Jockey
Certified Training Program Beginning November 2007
Grooms
Certified Training Program Beginning January 2008
For short course details
www.oldscollege.ca/
continuing education/
animal science
or call for information 1-800-661-OLDS (6537)
ext. 4767 or register at ext. 4677
√
√ √