Page 94 - June 2015

“Work hard and never give up.”
Damian Martinez
by Amy Haysler
Name: Damian Martinez
Home Base: San Antonio, TX
Years of experieNce: 7 years, but officially 4 states iN WHicH You ride: Texas, New Mexico & Mexico City
favorite HoBBY aWaY from tHe track: Just riding horses
In the four short years that Damian Martinez has been riding, he has made a name for himself. Last year he rode JRC Callas First to 6 stakes victories,
leading the bay gelding to win the 2014 AQHA World Championship title. While climbing the lead- ers board, Damian has most recently earned the title Jockey of Meet at Sam Houston Race Park. Damian definitely enjoys what he does, and we all look for- ward to watching his continued success.
Q. WHeN Were You first iNtroduced to Quarter Horse raciNg?
A. I guess, I have been around races since I was born. My dad worked with trainers.
Q. HoW did You Become a jockeY?
A. I just started riding on the bush tracks one day, and I really liked it so I continued with it.
Q. WHat is Your most memoraBle raciNg momeNt?
A. Winning the Zia Park Championship. Well, we didn’t know we were in the race until the day before when a horse scratched. So, we had to drive all the way over there with the horse trailer the day before the race. I was pretty excited when we won.
Q. You Have riddeN jrc callas first iN all of His starts leadiNg to His 2014 World cHampioNsHip title. WHat is His dispositioN like oN tHe track versus off?
A. We always have
to take him with the
pony horses. When
we saddle him in the
paddock, the pony has to come and get us from the paddock. He knows how to run and he knows how to win.
Q. to WHat do You attriBute Your success?
A. By working hard and getting up every morning to take horses to the track to gallop.
Q. WHat do You love most aBout BeiNg a jockeY?
A. I like riding horses. I like getting along with horses that most people don’t get along with. I like being able to understand the horse, and I like working with the trainers and owners.
Q. WHat advice Would You give someoNe trYiNg to Become a jockeY?
A. Work hard and never give up. Always try to become a better person and better rider.
A Jockey’s VIew
Damian Martinez aboard JRC Callas First winning the Zia Park Championship
92 SPEEDHORSE, June 2015
THE BACKSIDE
coady Photography
coady Photography