Page 23 - April 2009 The Game

Canada’s Thoroughbred Racing Newspaper
Beckon Returns to Woodbine By Chris Lomon, courtesy of WEG Media
The Game, April 2009 23 thought we’d give him a shot.”
From the moment he embarked on his career as a jockey, Chad Beckon set
Beckon, married to fellow rider Cory Clark, has yet another reason to be optimistic about his fortunes in 2009.
How many trips to the Woodbine winner’s circle Beckon will make during the 2009 Woodbine meet, which kicks off on April 4, is uncertain.
his sights on making it a success story. Some six years later, the 28-year-old could be on track for his most memorable season.
He’s also caught the eye of champion conditioner Reade Baker, a winner of 672 career races (as of February 23) and a perennial top- ve trainer at the Toronto oval.
What is, however, is that Beckon intends to make this season his best one to date.
Things haven’t always come easy for Beckon, son of the late Toronto-based jockey Dan Beckon.
“You can always learn something new in this sport if you are willing to. I’ve worked hard and I will continue to work hard. I’m de nitely excited about this year.”
Yet regardless of the hurdle, injuries or otherwise, he’s rarely not fashioning a big smile or sounding like a wide-eyed kid ready to take on the world.
Though he isn’t Baker’s go-to rider, Beckon is galloping several horses a day for the native of Port Dalhousie, Ontario, who had 48 wins at Woodbine in 2008, good enough to land him third in the standings.
It was September 10, 2003 when Beckon won his rst race, teaming with Lil Personalitee for the milestone score at Woodbine, a win he still vividly recalls.
“When someone as successful as Reade Baker gives you an opportunity,
It appears Beckon has plenty of motivation and plenty of con dence to feel that way.
“I enjoy my job, I really do,” said Beckon, who recorded three victories in his rst year of riding. “I get the same feeling whenever I get a leg up.”
you don’t want to waste it,” said Beckon. “There was an offer to make the move to Woodbine last year, but in fairness to my agent (Scott Lane), I wanted to wait until now. I believe in being loyal to people. This is the right time and I don’t have any second thoughts.”
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With two Fort Erie riding titles to his name, a feat he accomplished in 2005, as an apprentice, and in 2008, as a journeyman, Beckon has set his sights on making a return to the big leagues.
Beckon, who won 85 races at “the Fort” last year, is con dent he can hold his own at Woodbine, one of North America’s most contentious colonies.
“I’ve learned a lot wherever I have ridden,” said Beckon, who was voted Fort Erie’s top rider in 2008 by his peers. “And everywhere I’ve been, I’ve had great support from the riders. When I started riding at Woodbine, there were so many people that helped me.”
Said Baker, “I watched him ride last year at Fort Erie and I was impressed. He’s been working for me this spring and I
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