Christina Gray
Christina Gray is a jockey I am semi familiar with as I have seen her ride over at Delta Downs as well as Suffolk Downs on tv. We emailed each other back and forth several times and we are proud to have an interview with this great jockey on our page. Below is an email interview I did with Christina not too long ago.
FOTH: Where were you born and where did you grow up?
CG: I was born and raised in Clifton Park, NY. It's a small town about 20 minutes from Saratoga.
FOTH: Any brothers or sisters? What sort of girl were you growing up?
CG: I have one younger sister. I was a quiet, shy child. I always liked to play outdoors. We had a swing set, a tire swing, a dirt pile and a good hill for sled riding. I didn't have a horse, so I used to ride my bike a lot instead. I never did like the color pink, and I wouldn't wear dresses, but I did have a Barbie doll. My neighbor had a swimming pool and we would spend most of the summer at his house swimming or playing with matchbox cars and star wars figures. Though my grades were always good, I really buckled down in high school and I always made honor roll. By then I spent more time studying than I did doing things outdoors. I never did like team sports, so I didn't participate in any extra curricular activities. I was just quiet and kept to myself a lot.
FOTH: What did you want to be when you were growing up? What sort of dreams did you have?
CG: I always wanted to be a jockey. I dreamed of riding a fast, beautiful horse and winning the Kentucky Derby. I think that's everyone's dream initially. When I finally got to gallop on a racetrack the first time, I looked over into the grandstand and I thought, "Someday those stands will be filled with people and I'll hear the cheering when I'm racing down the lane to a win."
FOTH: What first lead you to get involved in horse racing? What did you think of a jockey and a race track the 1st time you saw them?
CG: I really wanted to be involved in horse racing after I read The Black Stallion by Walter Farley. I read the book long before the movie came out. In fact, I had read the whole series many times over. We would go to the races at least once a year. Definitely once in August to the thoroughbred meet and usually to the harness track in the winter. Even in the winter I would go stand outside to watch the horses warming up before I made my pick. My Mom would give me and my sister $10 each to bet with and when it was gone that was it. If we came out ahead we had to pay her the $10 back. One night I hit two long shots just by watching the warm up and because I liked their names. $70 is a lot of money for a kid in 5th grade! I thought all racetracks were as beautiful as Saratoga and had that high a quality of horses running at them. Boy was I surprised when I moved to Finger Lakes! More than anything I wanted to be able to go to the backside. I didn't think about the jockeys at all, because I really just loved the horses. I figured the horses did all the work, so who cared about the riders? Now I know better!
FOTH: What was it like getting up on a horse the first time? Were you scared at all?
CG: I was so small that I wasn't scared at all the first time I got up on a horse. There was a little trail ride place down the road and I remember being excited because I was taller than my parents on that horse. All I did was sit there and the lady led me around a short path through some trees. Until I took lessons, we would go on trail rides and I was never scared. The first time I remember being scared was after the first time I fell off in a lesson. But, I got back on the horse and he ended up being one of my favorite lesson horses.
FOTH: Who helped you out in the beginning and what were you taught as far as riding goes?
CG: In college I sent out resumes to a bunch of farms and I decided to take a position as tablehand/exercise rider at Onteora Farm in Canandaigua, NY. They put me on my first racehorse, a two year old in the indoor arena. They also got me licensed at the track and the first horse I galloped on a real racetrack was for them. Once I started freelancing at Finger Lakes I galloped for Pete and Sharon Wasiluk and Mike Kelsey. They both helped me out a lot by letting me learn on their horses. Not just galloping different kinds of horses, but working and breaking from the gate, too. I started taking riding lessons when I was about 12, so I came to it late. My dad let me earn lessons for good grades. 3 lessons for an A, 2 for a B and 1 for a C. So, if I did well enough I earned enough lessons to last me until the next report card. I went to college for horses, and took dressage and jumping lessons. I also spent almost 3 months in Spain doing the higher level dressage moves. I was taught to have soft hands and to use your leg and seat aids, so it was a big shock the first time I galloped a racehorse and he pulled! I had to learn a different seat and how to handle high strung horses.
FOTH: When did you know you wanted to become a jockey?
CG: As soon as I read the Black Stallion series I wanted to be a jockey. I think I was about 9 or 10 years old.
FOTH: Did anybody try and discourage you from being one?
CG: No one ever told me straight out that I couldn't, but it wasn't until I went to college for horses that my family realized how serious I was. I think that before then they thought it was a phase I would outgrow. As soon as people found out I liked horses they all asked if I wanted to be a vet. I wasn't sure I could be light enough to ride, so I told everyone that I wanted to own a farm and raise racehorses. I decided against that after I spent a couple of summers working and living on a farm. By then, my weight had dropped because I was working a lot and active and then I realized that I could do it. I am fortunate that my family is very supportive. My dad paid for my lessons and college, and my Mom drove me to lessons every weekend and a couple of shows. They both keep track of me on the internet, and sometimes my Mom knows how many I'm riding before I do! She drove up to see me ride in my first race, and about twice a year she would drive over to Boston or Salem to see me ride. My agent would tell me that I should give her a percentage when she comes because she talks to all the trainers in the grandstand and tells them how good I am! Once, I finished third or fourth on some longshot and she told everyone around her (patrons and trainers) that I was her daughter and how good I had to be to get that horse to finish in the money.
FOTH: Tell us what you remember about your first race ever. The name of the horse, the track, where you finished, etc. Was it like you thought it would be?
CG: I didn't ride the first horse I was named on because the track condition was so bad that they canceled racing that day. The next time I was named, they almost didn't let me ride because the track was bad again. This was in October at Finger Lakes, so the track was a sea of heavy mud. The first horse I rode was for Kenny Smith. He used to ride and he helped me get better at breaking by letting me break a horse for him that was fast out of the gate. He said if I could stay with that horse, then I could break anything. He also told me that my legs would get real tired, so I should hold onto the saddle when I dismounted in case my legs buckled. The horse's name was Planetary Circle and the race was a mile. I was a little nervous waiting to go to the paddock and mount, and still a little anxious in the post parade. All the other riders (and the stewards) told me just to be safe and enjoy myself. As soon as we loaded into the gate all the nervousness and anxiety just washed away. I really did enjoy myself, I got plastered with mud and we finished last, but I didn't pull all my goggles down at once like everyone said I would. The race happened so fast, it was like I blinked and it was over. It was a good thing that I held onto the saddle when I dismounted because my legs would have buckled! The mud was a heavy, sticky kind of mud and I had to work to pull my legs out of it to move around and unsaddle the horse. I was exhausted, but thrilled and excited! I had so much energy. Right after, I had to go to my waitressing job and I had a smile on my face all evening. I only rode 8 races at Finger Lakes before they closed for the winter, but I got to ride in just about every racing condition. Rain, snow, mud, frozen track; I got broken in to bad track conditions right away.
FOTH: When did you get your first win? How excited were you? Did you win in a photo or did you win easily?
CG: After Finger Lakes closed, I went to Florida and galloped at Hialeah until that meet started. Then, I rode 8 races there before the meet moved to Calder. It took me another month to get a mount at Calder. I finally won on September 22 on a maiden filly named (appropriately) Fullfilled Dreamer. I had rode her once or twice before and I had started galloping her every morning, so she knew me. We sat behind the first tier of horses and circled around them on the final turn and just closed on the front runner, way on the outside. It wasn't a close photo, I knew I was going to get up in time. I was even putting my stick away as we got close to the wire. I was so happy to finally win! How nice to see open track in front of you at the finish! I think the race just set up perfectly for her. She was close enough to close on the front pack, but far enough back not to get dirt in her face and the rest of the pack was behind us, so she didn't have to worry about traffic or being shy of other horses. After that win she had a lot more confidence and so did I. Now she would take dirt and being in tight. I had a second and a third on her before they fired me. Even Rosemary Homeister said to me, after watching her run bad for one of the guys, "Why did they fire you? She only runs for you." That was nice to hear, especially from a good rider like Rosie.
FOTH: I know you rode at Suffolk Downs for a bit. Was it easy to get mounts there? I see many girls riding there so I assume that is a place where female jockeys are accepted. Am I correct?
CG: I left Florida when Gulfstream opened because I didn't want to lose anymore time by just galloping. I knew there was no way I would get mounts at that meet. It was easier (but still not easy) at Suffolk. It still took me a year to break in there. I supplemented my income by waitressing (again!) and galloping for a trainer when he got a bunch of two year olds in. I was hoping that he would give me chance on them when they got ready to run, but that didn't happen. Meanwhile, people began to think I was just galloping, so I lost some time there when I could have been hustling in barns that would ride me. After I quit working for that trainer I did ok. I had a good summer at Rockingham but I didn't break any records. I was unfortunate to have my bug at the same time as Norberto Arroyo, (who was up for the Eclipse Award as apprentice of the year) so he had all the momentum. In Florida, I had run into Shaun Bridgmohan and Ramon Dominguez. I was starting to think that I was good luck for other riders, but not for me! I eventually got in some barns where I rode everything (thank you Al Poxon, Bill Lagorio, Glen Mathieson/Synergy Stables, and JJ Jacavone), but it's tough up there if you're not in one of the big barns. My horses would try, but I had a lot of seconds to horses that were taking a big drop in condition. I still don't think the girls get the respect they deserve up there. A lot of times I got mounts just because all the guys refused to ride the horse. Then all of a sudden your name is on the top of the list. I would ride the horse and really try, hoping they'd remember me when they got a good horse but hardly anyone did. The agents smile to your face and they'reright behind you telling the trainers that if their man had been on the horse he would have won.
FOTH: Do you feel you are constantly improving as a rider?
CG: I am always improving as a rider. One thing I learned in college is that you are never done learning, especially when it comes to horses. I really miss having an Equiciser to work out on. When there is one at the track, I'll practice on it and it really makes a difference. If you think about it, if there was nothing left for me to improve on, what would be the challenge?
FOTH: What tracks have you ridden at so far in your career? What track or tracks would you like to ride at one day?
CG: I've ridden at Finger Lakes, Hialeah, Calder, Suffolk, Rockingham, Evangeline and Delta. I also rode a couple times at Louisiana Downs, and once each at Monmouth and Garden State. (Jim’s note: I was at Monmouth Park and saw Christina ride; she finished second on a big-time longshot.) One of my goals is to ride a season at Saratoga. Though I've never even galloped there, it's like my home track since that's where I first fell in love with horse racing, and it's my childhood home. I'd like to find a track in a warm climate that's open most of the year that I can be successful at, so I can settle down and not have to travel so much. But, for right now, I like traveling and seeing the country. I'd also like to ride at some of the bigger or more historical tracks. Gulfstream, Churchill, Santa Anita, maybe Delaware, Del Mar, and Woodbine.
FOTH: Do you have a favorite horse or track that you like to ride at?
CG: This should be a two part question. I have a lot of favorite horses. Many of them are favorites just because I like their personalities, not necessarily because of their ability. Of course, my first winner will always have a special place in my heart. One of my favorite fillies was Invite. I have a photo the track photographer took of me galloping her in the morning, and it's my all time favorite picture. She's a big, beautiful horse, she's really reaching up under herself, her mane is blowing back and her name is written in white letters on the blue saddle towel that goes with the blue polos she has on. The energy of the moment and her power just comes right through the picture. Au Poivre has such a great personality, I really loved riding him and even galloping him every day. Mr. Super Tuner was my first win on the turf. Smart and Regal is one of my favorite old horses. Kristen's Baby was an old class horse who loved to play in the morning. Barbadous Queen is a bottom level claimer who is such a sweetheart and her heart is so big! She tries hard every single race and almost always hits the board. She just has the bad luck to get beat by horses dropping down in condition. Savvy Connection, Glowing Princess, Little Dessy, I could write a book about all the horses who are special to me, so I'd better stop. As far as racetracks, I really liked Hialeah. The tree lined horsepath was very relaxing to the horses and you had plenty of room on the mile and one-eighth track. I liked that Calder had a training track, and a separate on and off gap. I also like the 'wall' of trees that line the backside. I had a lot less trouble with horses getting out when they can see a wall of trees as opposed to a fence that they think they can run through. Garden State had the best girls jocks room I have ever seen. We had everything, including a steam sauna and dry hot box. (and a good looking management person at the desk too ha ha-chris) Monmouth has a swimming pool, which is awesome. Both Suffolk and Rockingham have decent girls rooms. They each have a hot box for the girls, and Rock even has a whirlpool. They also each have an Equiciser. So far, in my experience, the east coast tracks are pretty good. Now that I'm in the south, I wish they would catch up and figure out that girls are jockeys and we're not going away. They should just break down and provide the girls with facilities equal to what the guys have.
FOTH: Why did you leave the East Coast to go ride down south?
CG: My agent had retired the year before I left, and I felt that I wasn't getting the breaks I deserved there. I wasn't getting in any new barns, and I was ready for a change. I also feel that the stewards there were not impartial, as they should be. An agent from down here had seen me ride a few horses, and he remarked that I just wasn't getting the stock needed to win a lot, so I should come down here. I was really ready for a change, I like the warmer weather and the more laid back attitude that's prevalent down in the south.
FOTH: What are the differences from riding up east as opposed to riding where you are currently riding?
CG: For some reason, the horses seem to be better broke. The tracks I've ridden at here have been smaller than one mile, so you send a lot more. The riders here seem to police themselves better, with a lot less interference from the stewards. Other than the jocks rooms for the girls being substandard, there isn't a big difference.
FOTH: How long would you like to keep riding? What was your biggest win so far and the biggest race you ever rode in?
CG: I'd like to keep riding until I'm ready to retire. I've really never wanted to do anything else. I don't know about my biggest win. That could either be the largest purse, or the longest shot. I've never won any kind of stake, and if you go by longshots, I've had a lot of those. I rode a horse named It'sallanact in a stake in Boston and he finished 3rd. That is probably the best finish I've had in a stake. Then I rode a maiden in a $50,000 stake here and finished 5th. I've ridden in other stakes, but not on horses that really had a chance. The best day I've had is when I won three races in one day at Rockingham Park.
FOTH: I know you have long hair. Has it ever been a problem as far as riding goes and do you ever plan on cutting it short?
CG: I used to braid it and tuck it in my silks so you couldn't see it. I didn't want to be seen as 'the girl rider'. I wanted to be judged just on my riding, without the gender being an issue. But, after spending some time in Florida with Rosie, I see that you can be a good, aggressive rider and still hold on to your feminine side. I like my hair long, and I think part of me keeps it that way to show that I'm not going to apologize for being a girl or try to hide it anymore. I can paint my nails and wear heels and a dress to the jocks room and still be aggressive and kick butt out on the track. It doesn't feel weird anymore, it's just another aspect of my personality that I've come to embrace as the whole me. I've only thought about cutting my hair when I break up with boyfriends, then I get chicken and I just cut it to the top of my shoulders. I don't think I'd look good in short hair anyway, I think my face is too round.
FOTH: What would you like to accomplish as a jockey? I mean do you have any set goals for yourself?
CG: My original goal was just to be able to make a living by just riding. Then someone else told me I could do better, and I spent some time really stressed out that I wasn't doing well enough to be in the national standings. Now I've relaxed a bit more and I'm really enjoying myself. Since I'm new to this area, my goals for now are to break in here, and be able to get the mounts that are live. Someday, I will ride a season at Saratoga, and I would like to be in the top ten standings at a meet. Riding in one of the Triple Crown races or the Breeder's Cup would be the ultimate thrill, but now I see how hard it is for a girl to reach those heights. So, I can't say I've set that as a goal, especially since it's so far off right now, but I won't say it's out of the picture.
FOTH: What do you parents think of you being a jockey? Have they ever seen you race?
CG: I think they love it. My Mom and my grandpa went to see my first race, and my Mom has come to Suffolk and Rockingham to see me ride. All my family likes to ask their friends to guess what I do for a living. My grandpa especially, "I bet you'll never guess what my granddaughter does!" Pop isn't online, but Mom and Dad both follow me on the internet. Mom e-mails me whenever I win, and asks if I'm alright if she sees I rode a horse that 'did not finish'. My Dad has never seen me race, but I know he'd like to and I've shown him some of my races on video. But still, it's not the same as being there, with all the excitement of the crowd, and being able to bet on the horse that I'm riding.
FOTH: Ever get recognized from people if your out shopping, mall, etc?
CG: No, not really. I look a lot different without my helmet on, plus, I wear glasses when I'm not riding. Often, people I know just from the track don't recognize me in street clothes.
FOTH: Any last words Christina? Thanks a bunch for the interview.
CG: I'd just like to encourage any girls reading this to follow their dreams. You never know what will happen until you try, but at least you can say you did try. I'd also like to thank you for including me in this website. Good luck at the races!