Laura Freeman
Chris got to know Laura Freeman while working the last Garden State Park meet. (Jim also met Laura at Garden State Park, shortly after she rode in what was the last race ever contested at the track. Laura is a young jockey just starting out in the sport. Here is a phone interview with Laura.
FOTH: Where were you born and where did you grow up?
LF: I was born in Georgia and I lived in Florida till I was six.
FOTH: What kind of kid were you growing up? Did you hang out with a lot of people?
LF: I was pretty into riding horses, but I played a lot with the neighborhood kids and stuff, but not a particular one all the time. I was pretty much into horses.
FOTH: What jobs did you have before becoming a jockey? I heard you worked for the New Jersey Racing Commission up at Monmouth Park. Is that true or not?
LF: When I graduated college I had always been a riding instructor and training show horses. I never did work for the NJRC up at Monmouth.
FOTH: See that I got false information (laughs). What was it like for you getting up on a horse the first time? Where was it?
LF: The earliest I can remember was at some fair down in Florida. It was a pony. My parents took me there I remember that. I did a lot of early pony riding too.
FOTH: When did you know you wanted to become a jockey?
LF: I always wanted to be one when I was little and I kinda just gave up on it. Growing up in California. There is a lot of "boys only" mentality. So I never really thought of it again. When I found out about amateur races when I was exercising horses in New Jersey I kinda thought about it again and here I am today.
FOTH: What stuff were you taught as far as riding goes? Do you still ask for advice now or watch other riders ride?
LF: First thing I was taught was don't change your hands (laughs). Both. For myself I learn a lot when I watch. I will ask people I am comfortable talking too like Janice Blake and Rafael Mojica, Jr. and Jorge Duarte, Jr.
FOTH: What tracks have you ridden at so far?
LF: Garden State Park, Meadowlands, Monmouth Park, Delaware Park, Atlantic City, Philadelphia Park, Suffolk, Laurel, Aqueduct so far.
FOTH: You used to go with your dog when you rode at Garden State. Do you bring her everywhere and what breed is she and what is her name?
LF: Sandy is her name. She is a cocker spaniel. I do try and take her everywhere with me, even in the morning, but the clerk of scales at certain tracks might not allow dogs in the jock's room so it all depends.
FOTH: Is being a jockey harder than you thought now that you are one?
LF: I don't think it is as hard as I physically thought. Sometimes it is frustrating when things are out of your control. Like when your horse isn't in the right spot. I kinda beat up on myself more than I should thinking I did something wrong.
FOTH: What did you parents think when you told them you wanted to become a jockey and have they ever seen you ride?
LF: They have seen me on video. They have never seen me ride. They were thrilled cause they know I had dreamed about when I was younger. They thought it was the greatest thing ever. Not too many people get to do what they dreamed about when they were little.
FOTH: How do you prepare for a race?
LF: I'll look at the form and see what it says about the horse. Then when I get my instructions I take that into consideration with how the horse has been running and I try my best and I try to do with whatever the trainer tells me. One trainer told me now the horse didn't even finish in the top three, but he told me to not go on the inside cause the horse might stop running. A hole opened up and I could have went to the inside and I didn't per his instructions and the horse didn't even finish in the top three, but he told me after the race "I will ride you again cause you listened to what I told you. You had a shot, but you did exactly what I told you".
FOTH: What do you think you will do when you hit the winner's circle?
LF: I'll probably cry.
FOTH: Are you prepared to get hit with many items afterwards?
LF: I think I probably will go hide in the grandstand (laughs).
FOTH: Do you have any advice for somebody who wants to become a jockey?
LF: More than anything prepare to be tougher. People are gonna say stuff to you. People are gonna talk about you even when your not there. Stuff like "He/she isn't good enough stuff like that. I have heard trainers talk among each other and stuff. Just keep your chin up and keep trying. Also be ready to be disappointed sometimes. Like I said before if you do what they tell you to do it shouldn't come back on you.
FOTH: Take people through a typical day for you.
LF: I crawl out of bed (laughs). I drink some coffee and then get to the barns and typically ride at least 8 to 12 horses a day. Then after I finish riding I'll go home and relax, maybe have something to eat. Then if I have to ride that night I will go get ready to race.
FOTH: What goals do you have as a jockey?
LF: I just want to win one race (we both laugh). To ride the best race I can and ride with instructions I have been given and to take care of the horse.
FOTH: Any other female riders you like?
LF: Yes. I get along great with Janice Blake and Sandi Dorr.
FOTH: Is it tough for you to make weight?
LF: Making weight is no problem. I do like to have regular meals and making weight is no problem. I do try to watch what I eat and sometimes I cut back on carbohydrates.
FOTH: Finish this sentence. If I was not a jockey I would be a:
LF: A riding instructor (laughs)
FOTH: Any last words? Thanks for the interview Laura and look forward to seeing you in the winner's circle soon and many times to come.
LF: Your welcome. And thanks for the interview as well.