Veteran jockey Shanley Jackson regularly inhabits two different worlds. On weekends, he pushes the limits of speed on horseback aboard Quarter Horse in races primarily at Indiana Grand in Shelbyville, Ind. On week days, however, the 58-year-old can be found driving kids to school in Leon County near his hometown of Tallahassee, Fla., according to the Tallahassee Democrat.
Jackson has an uncle, also a bus driver, who inspired him to apply for the position five years ago. He now drives bus routes for Amos P. Godby High School, Griffin Middle School, and Fort Braden School.
This year, per Equibase, Jackson recorded nine winners from 76 mounts for earnings of $320,073, including a win aboard Beach Blast in the $192,400 Miss Roxie Little Futurity at Indiana Grand on Oct. 24. Overall, the jockey has a record of 279 wins from 2,133 starts with Quarter Horses, earning over $5.6 million.
While injury has played a role in his career, Jackson said he's not ready to walk away from the “rush” of race-riding.
“The way I feel now, I feel no different than when I first started. I guess I'll let my body tell me when enough is enough,” Jackson told the Tallahasseee Democrat. “As long as I stay young.”
Read more at the Tallahassee Democrat.
The post Driving To The Wire: Quarter Horse Jockey Shanley Jackson Also Pilots School Buses appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
