A ray of iconic sunshine to racegoers for nearly 36 years, Santa Anita bugler Jay Cohen, who has been sidelined due to back issues for the entire autumn meet, will undergo surgery Nov. 8 and the multi-talented New Jersey native hopes to return to action at The Great Race Place in time for the Arcadia, Calif., track's traditional winter meet opener on Dec. 26.
A man with joy in his heart, Cohen has regaled fans of all ages on race days and at special events with magic tricks, impromptu soliloquies, jokes, world class musicianship and genuine kinship developed through his many years as one of California racing's most recognizable figures.
“Jay is a special person and a very special talent,” said Santa Anita general manager and executive vice president Nate Newby. “Our fans have missed him and so have our jockeys, trainers and everybody here that he counts as co-workers. We wish him a speedy recovery and we look forward to having him back here this winter, just as soon as he's able.”
Cohen, who started at Santa Anita on Dec. 26, 1987, and has performed at a total of 20 racetracks in eight states and two foreign countries, addressed his predicament via telephone as he took in the Breeders' Cup World Championships on Saturday from his home in Glendora.
“I've always tried to stay very fit, but I've had issues with my neck and back for a number of years now,” he said. “A couple days before we were supposed to open on Sept. 29, I really couldn't walk more than 20 feet without being in severe pain. That's when I realized I was not going to be able to work until I got this fixed.
“It's been a long process with the insurance companies, but we've finally got the date set for Nov. 8. I'm representing Santa Anita in the Rose Parade, so I have no choice but to get back to work!”
Call it a labor of love, and it's a two-way street between Jay Cohen's many thousands of fans and the man himself.
Godspeed Jay.
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