Comaraderie

When people talk about camaraderie they need look no further than jockeys. It certainly is a wonder how they can compete against one another from morning till night and still treat each other as family. Everyone wants to win and when they don't they congratulate the winner as they get ready for the next race. Sportsmanship is not lost among these honorable men. I suppose that knowing you hold the lives of other men in your hands and that they hold yours in theirs it is no wonder how close a family they become. When a jockey is hurt the entire colony rallies around them to help and support them in a time of need. Fellow jockeys will take donations and give up riding fees, even winning ones, for their fallen comrade and their family. When I was hurt in an on track incident at Los Alamitos it was my friends who came to my aide and supported me and my family. Without their support we would not have been able to get by. In my case it was everyone that helped. The trainers, owners, fans, and the race track personnel all offered their support financially, spiritually, and emotionally. Jockey's are true champions of character and stand for what real men and women are all about. Though the Jockey's Guild is having to file for bankruptcy I am not worried that they will come out of this stronger and better than before, and that is the testament of all the jockey's who sacrifice there very lives to bring you an exciting sport. To all those who have helped me I thank you with all my heart.