Son of Jockey Gary Stevens, T.C., to Ride First Race
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Photo: Chad B. Harmon
T.C. Stevens aboard Caravel ahead of the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint at Keeneland
T.C. Stevens, son of Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens, will ride his first race as a professional jockey at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots March 19 for trainer Steve Asmussen. T.C. has been named on Motown Missile in race six.
"I am very grateful to Mr. Asmussen and his staff for giving me this opportunity," Stevens said. "I've had this dream of being a jockey for a very long time. While I realize I am further along in life than is the norm to start this career path, I know that I am prepared and will go out there on Sunday and do the absolute best that I can."
Stevens has been riding horses for 13 years and working for Brad Cox for the last 9 months. Last fall he was paired with Breeders Cup' Turf Sprint (G1T) winner Caravel . He is also the regular exercise rider of top horses Instant Coffee , Hit Show , Zozos , Strobe , and Tapit's Conquest .
"The trust Brad (Cox) has put in me to gallop and breeze some of his best horses has been paramount. It has taken my skill and confidence to a whole new level," Stevens said. "I am so grateful that he has allowed me to chase my dream of being a jockey while continuing to work for him."