Page 13 - Speedhorse October 2018

On Sept. 8, Louisiana Downs celebrated jockey John Hamilton’s 2,000th win milestone by recognizing the achievement with a photo opportunity in the Louisiana Downs’s winner’s circle.
Albuquerque Downs Jockeys Visit chilDren’s hospitAl
On Aug. 20, eight Albuquerque Downs jockeys, accompanied by track chaplain Donald Stover, visited the University of New Mexico Children’s Hospital. The jockeys – Porfirio Cano, Victor Escobar, Don French, Reyes Gomez, Gustavo Herrera, McKenzie King, Jansen Melancon, and Jorge Rocha – vis- ited with children in their rooms and distributed gifts, including signed goggles and winner’s circle photos, and posters of New Mexico native jockey Mike Smith winning the Belmont Stakes and the Triple Crown aboard Justify.
“This is something that we have been doing annually, and it’s part of our giving back to the community,” said Stover, who organized the visit along with Albuquerque Downs’ presi- dent of racing Don Cook and assistant general manager Beth McKinney. “The jockeys enjoy visiting with the children, and the children and their parents enjoy it, too.”
The University of New Mexico Children’s Hospital is the state’s only dedicated children’s hospital and academic medical center. The hospital cares for thousands of children from throughout the state and is New Mexico’s only Children’s Miracle Network hospital.
Jockey hAmilton celebrAteD
Martha Claussen, who served as public-
ity director at Sam Houston Race Park for 10 years and continues to be active in writing, fan education and Quarter Horse racing publicity in Texas, Louisiana and other regions in North America, shared the following story about John Hamilton and his recent milestone. Thanks, Martha, for all that you do to promote racing across the nation.
How many professional athletes are in their prime at the age of 54? Certainly none in the NFL, NBA, NHL or Major League Soccer. But
jockey John Hamilton continues to be at the top of his game and recently won his 2,000th career race.
The milestone took place July 9 at Delta Downs, when Hamilton guided Sweet Caliente Royal to victory for Bulldog Racing and trainer Benjamin Wilbanks. It was the final night of the 2018 Quarter Horse season and Hamilton picked up his sixth leading rider title in Vinton. He made 44 trips to the winner’s circle, edg- ing Luis Vivanco by one win. On Sept. 8, Hamilton’s big milestone was celebrated and recognized at Louisiana Downs as Hamilton was joined by family and friends in the win- ner’s circle to commemorate his 2,000 wins. AQHA statistics show that Hamilton, who began riding professionally in 1984, has ridden 14,654 races with a record of 2,000 wins on mounts who have earned more than $26 million.
Reaching his 2,000th victory was not expected as Hamilton was badly injured last November in a spill at Evangeline Downs. Surgery on his broken leg involved the inser- tion of a titanium rod from the top of his hip to his knee and more than 30 staples to close the incision.
“It was a dark time in the beginning,” admitted Hamilton. “I wasn’t sure if this was an injury that would end my career, or if I would ever be able to walk again.”
However, he embarked upon an arduous physical therapy program with the same tenac- ity he has shown in more than three decades in the saddle. His surgeon was amazed; his fellow riders, trainers and many friends in the indus- try were delighted to see him back in action.
On July 9, he was surrounded by his wife, Sharon, many family members and several of his grandchildren to accept his leading rider award. He was gracious in thanking a host of people for their support.
“I might get the glory for winning a race,
but the truth is that I only account for 18 seconds,” said Hamilton. “My success is owed to God, my owners, trainers, grooms, gate crew and my wife who has put up with so much! Maybe this title is even sweeter considering what happened eight months ago.”
Lifelong friendships have evolved. His former valet and good friend, Thad Briley, bestowed the nickname of “Hambone,” which he treasures.
Hamilton serves as a mentor to young riders, most recently, assisting 19-year-old Guadalupe Lucio Jr.
“Lupe came to Louisiana and didn’t know anyone,” explained Hamilton. “I saw he was a hard worker and a very humble kid, so I was happy to help him. When he won the Lassie Futurity (on May 18), I think I was happier than he was!”
Hamilton was born in Baytown, Texas. When he was 14-years-old, a Texas horseman, aptly named Jim Dandy, asked if he was interested in riding horses. The next morning, he arrived at his ranch at 4:30 a.m., and his future was sealed.
He has won 99 stakes races so far in
his career, including a victory on Feature
Jess Rockin in the 2010 AQHA Challenge Championships-G1 and two editions of the Grade 2, Firecracker Futurity at Delta Downs. He scored with Ronnie James in 2012 and this year aboard Patriotic Games.
Several years ago, he moved his tack to Louisiana where he rides exclusively. He and Sharon make their home in Port Barre, Louisiana.
The respected veteran is involved in a vari- ety of charitable endeavors, lending his support to those in need in the racing community.
“It used to be just about me,” he admitted. “But this industry has taken care of me and given me so much. It means a lot to me to lead by example, to help those who are injured or need assistance.”
SPEEDHORSE, October 2018 11
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Hodges Photography