Page 10 - The Game November 2006

10 The Game, November 2006 Canada’s Thoroughbred Racing Newspaper
Nikki Umiker: Her number one love
By Chris Lomon
It was only fitting that the first horse apprentice jockey Nikki Umiker ever rode was named My Numberone Love.
Although she had every right to be nervous as the horses loaded into the gate for the fifth race on the night of September 27 at Woodbine, Umiker, aboard Pedigree Farm’s MyNumberone Love, wasn’t exactly a bundle a nerves.
In fact, as the Etobicoke, Ontario, native recalls it, she was downright calm as she and the three-year-old dark bay daughter of Wonneberg waited to break from the rail post.
“I can’t believe it, but I was really composed,” said the 25-year-old, of her first thoroughbred ride. “But it was the best feeling ever. I don’t think I can really put it into words. It was an amazing
experience.”
The enormity of the moment did
eventually sink in, albeit later than she had anticipated.
“My family and friends all came out to watch – it was great,” remembered Umiker, who partnered with My Numberone Love to finish fifth in the six- furlong race over the Toronto oval’s Polytrack. “We went out for dinner that night and when I went home, it finally struck me.
“I just couldn’t sleep. I think I ended up going to bed around two in the morning. I had so much adrenaline. It was a great feeling.”
It was by no means a surprise Umiker would react in that fashion, considering her life-long association with horses.
Umiker’s parents bought their daugh- ter her first pony when she was just six. The family moved the next year to Mansfield, a town in Dufferin County, Ontario, before buying a farm in Paisley, about 60 km north-
west of Toronto. “We had horses on the farm and I eventually got into show jumping, taking part in three-day events,” said Umiker. “I’ve
always loved being around horses and show jumping was a lot of fun.”
So, too, Umiker discovered, was watching thoroughbred racing.
“I watched the Queen’s Plate when I was seven and it really caught my attention.”
So much so, in fact, that Umiker knew at that moment what her life’s calling was. “After the race, I told my parents
I wanted to be a jockey.”
And how did her parents react to the
announcement?
“They told me I could do whatever I
wanted to. They’ve always supported me.”
It was in 2000 when Umiker, through a friend, landed a job working at Frank Stronach’s Adena Springs North operation, hotwalking and grooming.
She eventually became a groom for trainer Sean Smullen, who played an integral role in helping her become a jockey.
“He really gave me a chance to learn more about the game,” said Umiker, who also worked for Hill ‘N’ Dale Farm, taking care of broodmares and younger horses.
After three years with Smullen, Umiker traveled to Ocala, Florida, where she found work with Canadian power- house breeder-owner Sam-Son Farm, including her first job galloping horses.
“After that, I rode quarter horses at Picov Downs,” said Umiker, of the racetrack located just outside of Toronto.
“I went to Florida again in early 2005 with Sam-Son and wound up galloping as a freelancer.”
It was during that trip when she met Woodbine-based trainer Barb Baird, the conditioner of My Numberone Love, and one of many people she lists as key figures in the development of her riding career.
“I’ve been very lucky,” said Nikki. “A man by the name of Jimmy, who worked at Adena Springs North, taught me a lot about how to gallop. (Former rider) Brain Swatuk gave me some great advice, too. He told me, ‘Everything you know about show horses, forget it. All you need to know is how to balance yourself.’ I didn’t realize what he meant at the time he told me, but two years later, I did.
“(Former Woodbine outrider) Wes Adams and his wife Shelley really took me under their wing as well. Like I said, I’ve been very fortunate.”
Support has also come from her fellow Toronto oval riders.
“Garry Cruise and Jerry Baird have really been great. They’ve watched race films with me and pointed a few things out to me here and there.”
Her agent, Tony Esposito, couldn’t be happier working for the young rider, who is currently galloping horse for Frank Passero, Brian Lynch, Debbie England, John Ross and Barb Baird.
“When Nikki approached me to take her book, I was thrilled,” said Esposito. “The first thing I noticed was her infectious smile. She really has a great attitude and some real talent on a horse.”
Hopeful of a lengthy career in the irons, Umiker is content, for the time being, to keep her goals modest.
“I really just want to take this as a far as I can,” offered Umiker. “For now, I’m set- ting small goals, but hopefully, down the road, I’ll be able to set big- ger ones. I’m real- ly enjoying what I’m doing. I’m very lucky. Not too many people can say that.”
Apprentice Nikki Umiker
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