His experience led him to become an outspoken critic of the lack of proper health insurance being provided to jockeys.
He carried the most implicit confidence of all his employers, and was kind to young jockeys.
They say the drugs pose a danger to both horses and jockeys.
As ever, my best wishes for a safe return go to all horses and jockeys involved.
Only five states, including New York, also provide employment compensation to jockeys of $180 a week.
The conversation had turned to racing, jockeys, and horses.
The event was formerly restricted to amateur jockeys, and it used to be contested in mid December.
By race's end, he had to go and find it, and that does not usually happen to 42-year-old jockeys like him.
I do have friends who are footballers or whatever, but it's not the same as being close to other jockeys.
And at his age, he would not be considered by many trainers for the quality mounts they give to big-time jockeys.