International Jockeys in Awe of American Pharoah
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The international jockey colony in Hong Kong spoke of their admiration for American Pharoah on Tuesday. (Photo by Eclipse Sportswire)
Triple Crown-winning jockey Victor Espinoza will represent the United States in the International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) at Happy Valley Racecourse in Hong Kong this Wednesday, Dec. 9. Espinoza, who will face 11 other top riders from across the globe in the IJC, was the center of attention during a press conference to kick off the event - a highlight of Hong Kong International Races week.
INTERNATIONAL JOCKEYS IN HONG KONG
Photo courtesy of Dan Tordjman
Much of the focus on Espinoza has to do with his historic 2015 campaign as the jockey for American Pharoah. America’s Best Racing’s Dan Tordjman spoke with several of the other world class jockeys in the IJC about where they were when American Pharoah and Espinoza made history, and how much of an impact the duo has made on the international racing scene.
Jockey photos below are courtesy of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Douglas Whyte (Hong Kong): We (have a) big time difference but I followed the whole thing. I stayed up and watched it. American Pharoah is just a phenomenal animal, just to look at. I would’ve loved to have seen him in flesh but just to see pictures and to see the racing videos of him, what a horse. For sure, we followed him here and congratulations to American Pharoah. What a dream come true for him and Victor.
Hugh Bowman (Australia): I certainly watched with interest (from home). There was actually a party for the (Belmont Stakes) and I was invited to go but it was on a Sunday morning, our time, but we had races, so I couldn’t go and celebrate his victory. Obviously, it’s certainly something that everyone was in awe of. You know, a horse like that is a once in a generation animal. You only see a horse like that in the world every five to ten years, at the very least. When I say that, I mean sprinter, two-miler, across all levels of equine athlete. So, it’s good to ask (Victor) about the horse and just show your appreciation of what Victor has achieved and the horse he’s ridden.
Ryan Moore (England): I followed that horse from when he was a 2-year-old. I always thought he was an exceptional colt. I was surprised he didn’t win the Kentucky Derby by as (big of a margin) and then when he went and (did) what he did in the Preakness and Belmont, I thought showed off how good he was. And then, the Breeders’ Cup was exceptional. I think he’s a truly special horse.
James McDonald (New Zealand): It was incredible. When American Pharoah stepped out for his Triple Crown bid, for everyone to be involved from Bob Baffert and Victor to have that ride all the way through, he dominated that series well. Obviously, he captured the imagination of Australia and New Zealand. When I was there, everyone got up on Sunday morning to watch him and it was a great atmosphere. You just love seeing those good horses win. When he got beat that time (in the Travers) it was a bit of a shame and everyone was in a bit of a shock down under. In the Breeders’ Cup he was back to his brilliant best. It was a shame he didn’t carry on (and retired). With a good horse like that, he would’ve dominated for the next couple of years, the way he was going, but obviously stud values are much more important.
Maxime Guyon (France): It’s unbelievable. I’m lucky because I ride (European champion miler) Solow, who won in Royal Ascot and Dubai (among six wins overall) and that was crazy for me. But yes, American Pharoah, it’s crazy. It was unbelievable. I watched the Breeders’ Cup and followed the story. Everybody knows the story of (American Pharoah).