Page 76 - November 2016

“Being one with horses is an experience that is hard to put in words.”
Oscar Delgado
by John Moorehouse
NAME: Oscar Delgado
HOME BASE: Edmond, Oklahoma YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 10 in the U.S.
STATES IN WHICH YOU TRAIN: Oklahoma, Indiana, Michigan, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, Missouri, Illinois, Maryland, Florida, Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, West Virginia, California, Kentucky, as well as Canada and Mexico
FAVORITE HOBBY AWAY FROM THE TRACK:
Cooking, leather work, drawing, practicing soccer, movies
Racing is a family tradition for Oscar Delgado, and it’s one in which he takes a particularly high amount of pride. It’s a tradition that has taken
Delgado across the continent of North America for more than a decade.
Delgado certainly is one of the most active jockeys in the Quarter Horse world. Through the end of October, the Oklahoma-based rider had made 532 starts, the second-most this year in the entire AQHA. Only Alfonso Lujan (591) has made more trips in competition. Delgado had won 52 of those outs, including four stakes victories as part of a 4-3-6 record in stakes events to date. He’s won a total of $851,660 for the connections behind his various horses.
One of Delgado’s biggest highlights of 2016 came in September, when he rode underdog Abundanz to an upset win in the Bank of America Prairie Meadows Championship Challenge.
Read what Delgado had to say about his fam- ily tradition in the world of horse racing, and much more, in the latest installment of “The Back Side”.
Q: How did you become a jockey?
In 2007, Penny and Roy Moore took me to Mount Pleasant Meadows in Michigan to ride for them.
Q: If you were not a jockey, what other job would you most like to have?
Graphic designer. I have always liked drawing and creating things that are unique, and making things of everyday life a little easier. I would say graphic design also because I like designing things with computer programs.
Q: How would you describe your racing style?
I guess I don’t think that I have one style. I just always try to do my best and get the best out of each horse every race. I just won’t ever put a horse in a position to hurt himself or anyone else.
Q: What’s your most memorable moment as a jockey?
Racing beside my brother and going head to head down the race track. That was the best feeling ever!
Q: What do you love most about being a jockey?
The power and thrill of riding such a powerful animal fills my heart. Being one with horses is an experience that is hard to put in words and is best to be experienced. I feel lucky to call this my job.
Q: Finally, what advice would you give someone who wants to become a jockey? Be professional, responsible and humble, but most importantly, be you. Don’t try to be like anyone else.
Find the best in you and what you can achieve.
A JOCKEY’S VIEW
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SPEEDHORSE, November 2016
John Moorehouse
Oscar returns aboard Abundanz after an upset victory in this year’s Bank of America Prairie Meadows Championship Challenge.
THE BACKSIDE
Coady Photography