Page 54 - Speedhorse Canada Spring 2020

Country Boy 123 and Cory Spataro after their victory in the 2016 Alex Picov Derby for owner Ruth F. Barbour and trainer Bryn Robertson.
Q. WHAT DO YOU THINK NEEDS TO HAPPEN TO MAKE SURE THAT HORSE RACING, AND QUARTER HORSE RACING IN PARTICULAR, REMAINS VIABLE AS WE HEAD INTO THE FUTURE?
A. In my opinion, I think that they need stricter regulations
for medications. And deeper soundness examinations. I think the industry is going in the right direction, but I would do things a bit differently.”
Q. WHAT’S BEEN THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR?
A. My most memorable moment was the six-win day.
Q. EVERY ATHLETE HAS
THEIR ROUTINE WHEN THEY COMPETE. WHAT’S YOUR ROUTINE ON A RACE DAY? A. On race day, I don’t like to eat too much. Especially in the morning. I find I get too sluggish to ride. But
I will have some fruit or a protein bar to help sustain me. Stretching is paramount for me. I’ll spend about
a half hour in a hot shower or sauna going through a series of stretches.
Q. ANY FUTURE GOALS AS
A JOCKEY THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?
A. As of right now, my wife and I are working towards making our breaking and training facility a reputable establishment. We take in mostly racehorses. We do well and we love working with the yearlings.
Seeing them go off and do well is so rewarding to us. We bond with all of them. We see ourselves kind of like grade school before they go off to high school.
Q. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNGER JOCKEYS, OR SOMEONE LOOKING TO ENTER THE SPORT?
A. For the younger generations,
I’d say work hard and stay positive no matter what happens. Try to always find the positive things in the negative situations. Make mistakes, learn, grow and move on. There will always be people around to help you. Some things will work better than others. Pick and choose what works for you. I think being a rider is like being an individual: your style is what separates you from others.
54 SPEEDHORSE CANADA Spring 2020
THE BACKSIDE
Clive Cohen Photography