Page 14 - The Game June 2006

14 The Game, June 2006 Your Thoroughbred Racing Community Newspaper
Stein doing just fine on and off the racetrack
By Chris Lomon
One of his hobbies may have him going downhill, but the same can't be said for jockey Justin Stein's career.
He won't have a much of an opportunity to indulge in one of his primary passions these days, but Stein, who made the racing world take notice after his sensational 2005 campaign, isn't complaining.
"I've been snowboarding for about 12 years and I absolutely love it," said the 26- year-old, who was the runaway leader at Vancouver's Hastings Park in 2005 with 148 victories, 44 more than his nearest rival. "It takes some skill to get really good at it. I've had a few headaches from falling, but no broken bones or anything too seri- ous. It's a great adrenaline rush."
But it's not the only one in Stein's life.
These days, the native of New Westminster, British Columbia is enjoying a thrill ride in his first year at the Woodbine, one that has seen him leap into the top five in the standings.
"I absolutely love it here," said Stein, who won seven stakes races at Hastings in 2005, including two Grade 3 events. "It's a great facility and a great place to ride. You learn right away just how competitive a place this is."
Something that suits Stein, a finalist in the Top Apprentice category for both the 2005 Sovereign Award and 2005 Eclipse Award, just fine.
"I've always been a very competitive person," said the rider who surpassed the Hastings apprentice record of 123 winners set by Dave Wilson in 1994. "My mentality has always been to try and win every time I ride. You know that's not going to happen, but I want to show horsemen I have that drive and desire."
It's exactly what Stein accomplished when he moved his tack to the Toronto oval last fall.
He won eight races over the last 10 racing day and took the
prep for the Valedictory
Stakes with longshot Lettherebejustice.
"To be honest, I had no idea it was a key race for a stake or even how big the purse was," said Stein, whose 23.03% win average was 10th best in North America last year.
"I just rode the race
and did what the
trainer asked
me to do.
"At the 3/8ths pole, I could really tell I hadalotofhorseandthatwehadabig chance to get the win. It was a great feeling. But any time you win a race is a big thrill."
Not quite the answer you'd expect from someone who never played competitive sports as a kid.
"I've always been around animals, but I never rode thoroughbreds up until two years ago," said Stein, who launched his riding career in 2004. "I did some team roping, but I never played hockey, baseball, or anything like that. I just love doing what I'm doing."
Stein hasn't let his early success go to his head; something he insists won't
ever happen.
"You learn things all the time in
racing if you are receptive to it," he said. "You can't be cocky or think you know everything. Part
of being an athlete is being professional. I'm always setting goals for myself and I'm looking beyond my apprentice days. I want to be at Woodbine for
a long time." When he isn't
galloping in
the morning or riding in the afternoons, Stein's days are still full with a busy life at his home in Brampton, a 25 minute drive from racetrack.
Having a 16-month-old son to tend to is keeping him on his toes.
"I'm super conscientious of making sure I have time for my son (Owen) and family," said Stein, who lists multiple graded-stakes winner Monashee, British Columbia's Horse of the Year in 2005, as his favourite horse that he's ridden to date. "With riding, you have to be totally dedicated to be successful. You have to give 100 per cent and nothing less. But I do whatever it takes to spend quality time at home. I'm definitely enjoying every part of my life."
A life that never seems to be at a standstill.
"I'm going to try my hand at fly fishing," said Stein, who also lists reading as one of his main hobbies. "I'll take my dog, Theo, along with me and see what we catch."
If what he does on the racetrack is any indication of what will happen when he goes fishing, Stein should come home a happy man.
All in the Family
Ernie (left) and Mike Keller outside their barn. Photo by Cody Gregory
By Cody Gregory
Keller racing stables is a name that has been heard throughout the horse racing industry for nearly thirty years. A family adventure which has seen some good horses come and go.
Like most stables, the mental and physical work of daily chores and tending to the needs of the horses can be very rewarding in the end and the Keller’s wouldn’t have it any other way.
Ernie Keller got his start in the racing business with quarter horses, racing at the bush tracks. It was mainly a hobby until Ernie got himself a good horse and then he was hooked. It wasn’t long until he ventured off into the world of thoroughbred racing which is when the Kellers
came upon a horse named Timely Ruckus, most notable for being one of Alberta’s top sprinters, and the one who got the ball rolling for the Keller Racing Stables. “The thrill of racing and winning is unbeatable, it is something you anticipate starting young horses and watching their potential and progression, and hopefully you get a good one.” explains Ernie.
The Keller Racing Stables is a family affair with Ernie’s son Mike who takes the position of assistant trainer. “When I am not here Mike takes care of things.” says Ernie, “It is nice because Mike gets things done and is very reliable.”
Mike, who works on the pipelines during the winter, also enjoys working with his father on the track during the summer. “Working on the track is a very rewarding experience. It is great to be surrounded
by family and long time friends.” says Mike. 2006 has been a good year so far for the Kellers and they hope to keep on top of things through the Northlands Park meet in Edmonton. Ernie currently sits with 7 wins, 7 seconds and 6 thirds and $119,765 in earnings in 46 starts. “We have a lot of young horses that we will most likely be
starting up in Northlands.” says Ernie. “Hopefully all the horses pan out nicely and
stay sound and healthy.” adds Mike.
Both Ernie and Mike are quick to note that the most
enjoyable part of being in the horse racing industry is all the great people they get to work with. “It is just an overall love for the sport of horse racing, we enjoy work- ing with the horses and their owners as well as sponsors.” Ernie comments.
“It is great to have such good help from our grooms and all the way up to the owners.” adds Mike. As for the rest of the season. “We would like to keep a steady pace and win as many races as we can.” says Ernie with a smile.
For Bucked Shins Only!
BLUE BUCK SHIN PAINT
Will not test
Keep your horse training daily. May also be used as a preventative. Immediate and Impressive results within 4 to 6 days.
Equine-Energetics
1-866-778-3689
office: 905-878-3689 • cell: 416-219-7055 www.equine-energetics.com email: sales@equine-energetics.com
RICHARD MOYLAN Thoroughbred Bloodstock Agent
ACCEPTING HORSES FOR CONSIGNMENT
FOR ALL SALES
Sales Prep & Sales Consignment Breaking & Lay-ups • Broodmare Care & Foaling
Hunterview Farm
North off Hwy #9, Between Airport Rd. & Hwy #50 993445Mono-AdjalaTownline,RR#5,Orangeville,ON L9W2Z2
Farm: 519-940-0319 Cell: 416-999-1249
Subscribe to
The Game
$32.10 per year in Canada
Call 1-866-886-5827