Above photo by Roger Stranc
Cynthia Medina
Cynthia Medina was referred to my by Chandra Rennie (also featured on our site). She is one of the top riders in the midwest, and is approaching the 1,000-win mark. She is a welcome addition to the site and we will be following her progress as she rides toward her 1,000th victory, and hopefully far beyond that.
Cynthia Medina
FOTH: Where were you born and where did you grow up?
CM: I was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but grew up in a small country town called Venetia, Pennsylvania, about 30 miles south of Pittsburgh.
FOTH: Do you have any brothers or sisters?
CM: Yes, I have one sister (April) and a brother (Eddie). Both of them are younger than I and still live in Pennsylvania.
FOTH: Describe your childhood. Were you a wild child, a tomboy, or did you keep to yourself?
CM: I grew up in a neighborhood of mostly boys, so I was definitely a tomboy.
FOTH: When did you first climb aboard a horse? Do you remember anything special about the experience?
CM: My first horse experience came when I was about 8 years old. A neighbor had some ponies in his backyard, and one day he gave some of us neighborhood kids rides on the ponies. I was hooked and have been to this day, But I must credit a long time friend Beth with actually teaching me to ride.
FOTH: When did you decide to become a jockey?
CM: While growing up I wanted to ride for the USA Equestrian team and ride in the Olympics. Then I started hearing about a young jockey named Steve Cauthen and my interest towards horseracing began.
FOTH: How long did you exercise/gallop horses before you took out your jockey’s license?
CM: I got my license after galloping for only 9 months. Which is a little quicker than usual but since I had been riding in horse shows and eventing for 13 years it was just a matter of learning a new style.
FOTH: When and where was the first race you ever rode? How did you and your horse do?
CM: I rode my first horse for trainer Jody Boher-McGaffic at Waterford Park, now Mountaineer Park. His name was "Southern General" He was a route horse but Jody did not want to send me a mile on my first mount, So we went 5 furlongs and finished 4th.
FOTH: When and where did you win your first race? Is there anything notable about that day that you’ll remember for the rest of your life?
CM: I won on my second mount a two year old filly named "My Darling Rosey" for trainer William Myers. What made it so special other than it was only my second mount. And I was not allowed to carry a whip, and that I had been working with this filly since she first came to the track and I got her okayed from the starting gate.
FOTH: What does your family think of your decision to become a jockey? Have they been to the track to see you ride?
CM: My mother always said "Do what makes you happy." Although she still worries. All of my family has come to see me ride, They enjoy coming to the races.
FOTH: When you first started, what other jockeys gave you advice or helped you out?
CM: I have to admit that any time I asked any jockey for advice on anything from braking from the gate to switching sticks they were all very helpful.
FOTH: What tracks have you ridden at during your career? Do you have a favorite track?
CM: I have ridden at Mountaineer, Thistledown, Beaulah Park, Penn National, Delaware Park, Laurel, Charles Town, New Mexico, Fairmount Park, Hawthorne, Arlington Park, Sportsman`s Park, Hoosier Park, and Prairie Meadows. I have to say that each track hold a special place in my heart, but Arlington Park is probably the most beautiful.
FOTH: Of the tracks where you have not raced, which would be the one you’d most want to ride?
CM: I guess I would have to say I`d love to ride at least one race at Churchill Downs before I retire.
FOTH: What is the biggest race you’ve ever ridden in? What about the biggest race you’ve ever won?
CM: The biggest race I have ridden in would be "The Budweiser Breeders Cup", which was a $250,000 race. The biggest race I have won is The $35,000 "All Sold Out Stakes" at Fairmount Park.
FOTH: Have you ever had any serious injuries during your career? What has been the worst thing that has happened to you in a race?
CM: Yes, I have broken my collar bones, fractured a knee cap, dislocated a knee, pinched the cyatic nerve in my back, and broken toes on both feet. I guess some of the worst things are any time I`ve gone down in a spill.
FOTH: Has the need to maintain a low weight been a problem for you at any time in your career? Do you do anything special to make weight for a race?
CM: I must admit I`m one of the lucky ones, I have never really had to worry about my weight. I also found though after I turn 30 years old I have to work harder to stay racing fit. I go to the gym, I do yoga and meditate to keep me physically and mentally in shape.
FOTH: Have you been told by any trainers that they won’t ride you because you’re a female?
CM: Of course I have. I appreciate them for their honesty. What I dislike are the trainers that let you gallop for them in hopes of riding for them, but then they never name you on.
FOTH: Do you have any specific goals for your career, such as the one thing you really want to do before you hang up your tack?
CM: Well of course I`d be lying if I didn`t say I still hope to get the privilege of riding in one of the Triple Crown races. But as long as I retire on my terms and in good health I`ll be happy.
FOTH: Is there any advice you would give to someone looking to become a jockey?
CM: Make sure you get a good education, so you`ll have something to fall back on, and don`t try to be a jockey by starving yourself or doing anything that jeopardize your health.
FOTH: Do you have anything else you’d like to say to the fans out there? Thank you for the interview and best of luck in your racing career!
CM: I am currently studying to become a certified "A" judge. So I can judge "A" rated Horse Shows. I currently judge unrated schooling shows and do my best to promote life after racing for retired racehorses. When I do retire from race riding I would like to reschool retired racehorses so they may have a "life after racing". PS. As of November 5, 2001 I have won 972 races in my career.