Jockeys Canada

01/03/2025

🏇 Kirk Johnson: A Skilled Competitor in Canadian Racing! Kirk Johnson has built a career defined by dedication and skill. Learn more about his achievements and journey on the track: https://bit.ly/3oESPmg.

01/01/2025

Happy Birthday to Larry Attard
Hall of Fame Inductee, 2001
Jockey

In the 1980s one of the most consistent and dedicated jockeys on the Ontario Jockey Club circuit was Larry Attard. During that period he won the Queen’s Plate on Bompago, won the Sovereign Award twice as the country’s leading jockey -1983 and 1986 -and was the leading rider in Ontario in 1986, 1987 and 1989. Only injuries suffered in riding accidents prevented him from reaching 3,000 wins during his twenty five-year career. He retired following the 1997 season with 2,366 wins and purse earnings of more than $34 million. On retirement, Attard was urged by jockeys to become an agent, but he chose to join the other Attard trainers at Woodbine, training and racing a small stable with the assistance of his wife Veronica and children Elena and Jason.

Born in Malta on December 31, 1951, Attard began his riding career in 1973. While most of the Attard brothers Joe, Sid and Tino took up training when they immigrated to Canada, Larry, being the smallest, tried race-riding. As an apprentice he looked up to the late Avelino Gomez and Sandy Hawley. In learning the lessons taught by those experienced jockeys, Attard carved out several solid seasons in the 1970s. His success was, perhaps, only overshadowed by the numerous injuries he suffered in the decade, including a serious spinal injury.

The bad luck continued into the 1980s, but Attard was still able to make his mark on the scene. It was not until 1983 that Larry had an injury-free year and he demonstrated his talent, winning the Queen’s Plate and a Sovereign Award. A broken collarbone suffered in a April, 1997, spill knocked him out of action for six weeks. Another spill in August, when his mount went down and he suffered a concussion (his eighth) and a broken rib, led to his decision to announce his retirement in the spring of 1998.

Attard rode many Sovereign Award champions over the years including Kiridashi, Let’s Go Blue, Apelia, Benburb and Fozzie Bear. In 1993 Attard was honored as the recipient of the Avelino Gomez Memorial Award, which goes to a jockey who has made a significant contribution to the sport. In 2001 Attard was inducted into the Mississauga Sports Hall of Fame.

https://www.canadianhorseracinghalloffame.com/2001/12/15/larry-attard/

12/31/2024

Kentucky-bred from champion Canadian mare wins Grade 1 at Santa Anita at 37-to-1 in her first race since April.

12/31/2024

12/31/2024

12/30/2024

🏇 Keveh Nicholls: A Rising Talent in Canadian Racing! Keveh Nicholls brings passion and dedication to every race. Discover his journey and achievements: https://bit.ly/3Wzu6fE.

12/27/2024

🏇 Leo Salles: A Name to Know in Canadian Racing! Leo Salles has earned recognition for his talent and dedication to the sport. Discover his journey: https://bit.ly/3MR1cDO.

12/25/2024

🎄 Merry Christmas from Jockey's Canada https://bit.ly/3AuBdQ5. Sending holiday cheer to all the dedicated jockeys, trainers, and fans who make the sport of horse racing special. May your day be filled with joy and blessings!

12/24/2024

🏇 Jose Campos: Rising Star in Canadian Racing! Jose Campos is known for his dedication and skill on the track. Learn more about his journey and achievements: https://bit.ly/3VS5v6u.

12/22/2024

🏇 Meet Eswan Flores! Known for his skill and dedication, Eswan Flores has made an impact in Canadian racing. Learn more about his journey: https://bit.ly/3XS5NMf.

12/22/2024

Woodbine's 2024 season recently ended, but already plenty of local horsepeople are back in the entries in tracks in the U.S.

12/22/2024

Canadian photographers who love to take images of horse racing continue to share their great work on social media.

12/20/2024

🏇 Ryan Munger: A Rising Star in Canadian Racing! Ryan Munger’s passion and dedication shine on the track. Learn more about his story and achievements: https://bit.ly/3BjVLum.

12/19/2024

🏇 How JBAC Supports Canadian Jockeys! Learn about the resources and assistance JBAC provides to jockeys across Canada: https://bit.ly/364wt4v.

12/19/2024

BC-born Sahin Civaci won the Woodbine rider's title after 127 racing dates, while Mark Casse took another trainer's award.

12/19/2024

Chantal Sutherland returns to racing in Dubai on Friday around 9:40AM ET/6:40AM PT. She has 1,244 career wins in the US. She will be aboard #5 POCKET PHONE in race 3.

12/18/2024

🏇 Rafael Manuel Hernandez: A Force in Canadian Racing! Learn about Rafael’s career, dedication, and impact on the sport: https://bit.ly/3Xrf2TU.

12/18/2024

Mr. Will Wong takes a look back at an incredible year at Woodbine Racetrack.

Read More: https://bit.ly/4ftuWT0