Page 12 - May 2009 The Game

12 The Game, May 2009
Canada’s Thoroughbred Racing Newspaper
own riding career while his father will continue to ply his trade here at Hastings. But for one race on one day it was a dream come true.
****** *
Congratulations to Bob and Anne Hall who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at Hastings
on April 18. Bob Hall is the other
half of another famous partnership
that of Hammond and Hall who
owned Canada’s greatest racehorse George Royal in the 1960’s. George captured the Canadian International Championship, the Washington International, the San Juan Capistrano at Santa Anita (twice). And it was in the second victory of this important race that George gave Johnny Longden his nal victory in his nal race. George then retired as well, nishing his years at stud at the Hall’s Emerald Acres in Aldergrove, B.C. And
Tyler Walker
Railbird
A Look at Racing in British Columbia By Jim Reynolds
He’s thin — the eyes are sunken and his complexion is pale but he says he’s all right. He’s about to live his dream.
lack of talent was
not as crucial but
in the back of his
mind at all times
must have been
the dream to ride
in a race with his
famous father.
Mark Walker
was a premium
rider on the British Columbia circuit in the 1970’s and 80’s. Before his body forced him to quit Mark was a leading rider with many stakes victories and a long list of champion horses he piloted to victory. Two operations and a long time away from the game he was making a comeback and this was the opportunity to ride with his now grown son.
Neither was under any misconceptions,
it would be a hard row to hoe for both as age and body, although entirely different and with different problems, was an obstacle for both riders. But it was a dream.
illusions. “There’s a lot
Tyler Walker wasn’t born to be a jockey. As a young boy he was allergic to horses and would have strong reactions to the huge animals his diminutive father mastered for a living. As a young man he grew tall and
that height worked against him. But the dream and the determination was there. So he began to get on horses, mastering his body as well as the trade.
of love there but no mercy when the bell rings,” he said. “He’ll have to catch me.”
He learned to gallop horses when people said he was too big. He started race riding in the ‘bushes’, small racetracks where lack of experience and weight restrictions were less demanding—and he began to learn his trade. He went to Oregon where again
catch me dad,” he said in the paddock before the race.
father’s sentiments.
“I’ll send if I can and it’ll be come
Tyler was of the same opinion echoing his
As the race unfolded it was not as either hoped. Tyler broke on top but his horse Swinging Fox faded to last place by the stretch while Mark aboard Trinidad Bay broke last but gained ground throughout nishing fth beaten some eight lengths.
After the race congratulations and hugs were captured by the television cameras and Tyler was jubilant. His dream was accomplished.
Specialized Manure Removal
Manure, Sawdust & Shavings Removal
Trucking Fees Only - No Tipping Fees Call Today: 519-647-2105 or 905-645-4981
Mark was certainly under no
There is a certain appeal to a race where father and son can share the excitement and danger of horseracing. The Walkers weren’t the only father and son combination to ride in Vancouver. During the 1980’s the
hard riding Jim Dailey, rode against his sons JR (Jim Jr.) and Randy. Both young riders shared similar problems with Tyler Walker. A famous father (Jim was one of the best jockeys of the sixties) and weight restrictions. Often the horses they rode were not the best mounts in the race but it was always a contest to see who would nish on top in the ‘family derby’.
Congratulations on fty years to the Governor and Mrs. Hall.
When It Comes to Quality, Performance & Consistency
We’re Alone in the Lead!
High in Omega 3 fats, high quality fibre adds energy for stretch run endurance.
Phase III
The “right” mix of fibre, fat and starch for improved performance and health.
Pro Sport Plus
Formulated with highly digest- ible fibre, fat & grain. The winning choice of many top trainers.
Proudly Manufactured in Canada
Congratulations to trainer Scott Fairlie & owner C.E.C. Farms on your win with Milwaukee Appeal in the Star Shoot S.
FLAX APPEAL
For More Information call 905.985.7992
www.brooksfeeds.com • www.ker.com Just Ask Bob at Woodbine 416.453.7038
Tyler has now moved his tack
to Assiniboia Downs in Winnipeg where hopefully he can develop his
Bleeding? Tying-Up? Losing power?
EquiwinnerTM Patch
10 day treatment guarantees long lasting results, naturally.
Recommended by Hall of Fame Trainers!
Electrolytes are involved in every physiological process in the horse’s body. But they don’t always work properly. Making them work properly reverses many chronic conditions and ensures maximum performance.
For more info and to order visit www.signal-health.com
or call toll free 1-877-378-4946
while he never had the advantage of Northern Dancers carriage trade mares he left a proud legacy for the Hall’s.
The familly tradition is carried
on with son Philip (trainer) and daughter and son-in-law Jim Loseth (trainers), grandson James and grand- daughter Cristine all involved in BC horseracing. Again congratulations.
Barton Double Stakes Winner
Jockey Jake Barton rode home the winners of two stakes races on April 5 at Turf Paradise in Arizona.
His rst win was aborad, Shesa Private I, owned by Tangarae Farms LLP and trained by Bart Hone, was the winner of the $50,000 Princess of Palms Handicap followed by
a win in the $50,000 Wildcat H. aboard Allegre for owner Xitco, Dunn and Agnew and trainer Mike Chambers.