Page 85 - December 2015

YOU HAVE RIDDEN IN SO MANY
BIG RACES, ABOARD SOME OF THE INDUSTRY’S LEADING RUNNERS,
IS THERE A HORSE THAT STANDS ABOVE THE OTHERS IN YOUR MIND?
I’ve been awfully privileged to ride so many good horses, but my biggest soft spot will always be for Catchmeinyourdreams. He’s the one
who put my name on the map. Back in Utah, I broke him to saddle; I took him to Wyoming, California and Texas. He was a horse that I broke and rode all along. He really put my name out there. He will always have my heart. He may not be the fastest or the greatest horse I have rid- den, but he is the best horse I ever rode.
IS THERE AN ACCOMPLISHMENT THAT MEANS THE MOST TO YOU?
All the big wins are outstanding; winning two All Americans, outstanding; Champion Jockey, outstanding; and all are feathers in my cap. But the one thing I am most proud of is receiving the Sam Thompson Memorial Jockey Award in 2014. To be voted on by your peers for what that award stands for and who it is named for is by far the accomplishment I am most proud of in my riding career.
WHAT IS YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR A YOUNG RIDER?
Get with a mentor, a veteran rider, to help with learning the fundamentals. It doesn’t matter the sport—baseball, football, golf or being a jockey, the basics are important. Some young riders today don’t seem to have teachers or
mentors. They are just kind of adapting as they go. Fundamentals are so important, and you have to get the basics right. You need someone to grind it into you like my dad did for me. I was very fortunate to have my father. The basics are the building blocks for any good rider.
IS THERE ANYTHING LEFT YOU WOULD LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH ON THE RACETRACK?
I don’t have too many regrets. I’ve been truly blessed. I’ve pretty much covered the whole gamut—from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows. I’ve wondered if I was ever going to get back on a horse after six or
seven doctors told me I wouldn’t get back
on a horse. I’ve won two All Americans and stood up there in front of my friends and peers in winning the Sam Thompson Award and receiving the award for Champion Jockey. I’ve had more than my share of successes, as well as fundamental failures. I’ve done just about everything you could ask for in this business. I have met tremendous people. I have won- derful friends and have ridden unbelievable horses. I’ve had people put confidence in me even when I wasn’t sure I had confidence in myself. I have been truly blessed to have been a part of this industry as long as I have, but a Champion of Champions would be nice.
Cody wins the 2005 California Challenge Championship aboard 5-Time Champion Catchmeinyourdreams
Cody was the recipient of the 2014 Sam Thompson Memorial Jockey Award
SPEEDHORSE, December 2015 83
THE BACKSIDE
Speedhorse Los Alamitos