Infrequently Asked Questions: Jockey Jose Valdivia Jr.
This week's INfrequently Asked Questions profile is with Arlington Racecourse jockey Jose Valdivia Jr.
Jose Valdivia Jr.
Age: 40
Hometown: Pasadena, California; racing this summer at Arlington Park
Why him: Staying on the back of an 1,000-pound animal as it races across a track at 30 miles per hour is routine for Valdivia. This is his first summer competing at Arlington, where he has first-place wins in 20 percent of his starts. In 2011, he won one of the triple crown races, the Belmont Stakes.
Q: What's the most interesting name of a horse you have raced on?
A: "Big Jag. It was probably the first big horse I rode. The owner was a tuna fisherman. In fishermen slang, they say 'I caught a Big Jag today,' meaning they had a good catch of tuna fish. And the horse was humongous."
Q: What's the key to not falling off the horse during a race?
A: "The key is balance and trust. I learned how to ride bare-back. You need to learn how to trust yourself so that you're one with the horse. And after that it becomes routine. A lot of people get nervous and tense up, which is the worst thing you can do."
Q: What do you do after a race?
A: "I feel thankful that I am able to safely walk back. I usually give a big kiss to the crowd which is for my wife and the crowds. That is one thing special I do for them."
Q: What is the most challenging part of your job?
A: "You're only as good as your last win. Today's a new day. There are no guarantees and you have to win in order to make money. But I decided to do this because I love the horses. I don't think there is any other thrill like it when they are accelerating down the track."
Q: How do you gain a horse's trust?
A: "Get along with them. They weigh around 1,200 pounds. I only weigh around 150. Horses are some of the smartest animals. Whenever I get on the horse, the first thing I want to do is pet them. I do not ever beat horses. I like to talk to them and say, 'Hey buddy.' I want to say that 'I'm being a passenger on you, so let's work together.'"
Q: What's the most embarassing moment you've had on a horse?
A: "Running out of goggles. One of my first rides ever, I had to ride a wet track in New York. You're supposed to pull goggles slowly one by one. I pulled off all my goggles. I tried to wipe the mud off, but I think I had mud in my eyes for the day."
INfrequently Asked Questions
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