After having H for Horse I knew that J had to be for jockeys.
Our annual trip to Saratoga Springs each August always results in lots of photos of thoroughbreds and jockeys. This past summer was no different. I was even able to get several jockeys' autographs.
Edgar Prado, just before I got his autograph. He was Barbaro's jockey - he has written a book about this great horse and his experiences.
Being escorted to the starting gate.
Now this is quite the finish!The athleticism of these men and women is extraordinary. It may be a short ride but the potential for disaster is always there. There have been some excellent documentaries on these athletes - it is not an easy life. Yet this is the life they want and love for the most part.
Be sure to check out the other great participants here.
13 comments:
Great post! They are incredible men and women and they have to love what they do! Love your photos!
Have a great week!
Sylvia
Great post and a great J...I love the photo of Edgar Prado...I live in Ohio bordering Kentucky and always wanted to go to the Derby....it must be exciting....
Great photos and interesting information on jockeys, - a good choice for J.
Great post, and great photos. Jockey's are a special breed of people!
My ABC & Watery Wednesday
Really great pics as usual. I have never been to a horse race but I think it would be very exciting and the horses are so beautiful. Just seeing them would be worth the trip.
Thanks for your comments Bev, it is always so nice to hear from you.
I have been to only a handful of races in Del Mar, CA.
A very interesting culture that comes with this world of racing.
Thanks for sharing!
unique post! lovely!
great post and photos!
Wow, that's quite a photo-finish! I wonder how they sorted that one out!
Until I read Dick Francis' novels about the racing industry, I hadn't realised that a career jockey could expect bone-breaking injuries quite regularly, and cuts and bruises as a matter of course - also that they often starve themselves to make the weight. It's hard to understand how starving can lead to such stamina, but so it appears.
The Saratoga raceway isn't that far from here. They have a nice Hall of Fame there, too.
Good photos
Thank you all for taking the time to stop by and comment - I so appreciate your kind comments!
Time is at a premium now - I miss the luxury of summer!
Thanks again!
Great post, enjoy it!
Exciting and challenging, for sure. Excellent photos and narrative.
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