Page 152 - Speedhorse April 2019

“Without that hard work and dedication, you can’t get those good horses.”
AGUSTIN SILVA
by John Moorehouse
NAME:
Agustin Silva
HOME BASE:
Tulsa, Oklahoma
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:
10 years in May 2019
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS:
Former leading money earner at Remington Park, Fair Meadows, Will Rogers Downs, and The Downs at Albuquerque. Fifth in Quarter Horse jockey earnings in 2018 and 10th in victories, according to Equibase.
FAVORITE HOBBY:
Drinking coffee, I guess. I’d rather get the gas station coffee than Starbucks, to tell you the truth.
If you’re ever on a track where Agustin Silva is riding and you want to locate him, just follow the money—because Silva has won a boatload of
it in the last few years. Silva ranked fifth among all Quarter Horse jockeys in earnings last year, bringing in over $2.4 million in prize money. He’s compiled at least a seven-figure bankroll in each of the last five seasons.
“At the end of the day I think it’s just the passion for the racing that you get from a little kid. The hard work and dedication,” Silva said.
That, and having good horses. But, as Silva noted, “without that hard work and dedication, you can’t get those good horses.”
Silva also made sure to thank “the Good Lord upstairs” for his success, along with all the owners and trainers he has worked for in the past.
Like so many in the sport, Silva grew up around the track through family members who were working in the business. His father, Gilbert Silva, also was a jockey. Once Silva graduated high school, he donned the silks himself to continue the family tradition. He discussed his background and so much more in this installment of our Backside feature.
150
SPEEDHORSE, April 2019
John Moorehouse
THE BACKSIDE