Compared with some, the career of jockey Charles “Charley” Kurtsinger didn’t last all that long. Modern-day superstar jockey Mike Smith took out his jockey's license in 1982 and continues to compete at the highest level; Russell Baze, the all-time leading North American jockey by career wins, started out in 1974 and stayed at the top of his game until he retired with 12,842 wins in 2016.
Tag: Legends
Hill Prince: Meadow Stable’s First Star
Long before Secretariat and Riva Ridge carried the colors of Meadow Stable to Triple Crown glory, those blue and white checkered silks of the Chenery family were made famous by one of the best horses of an earlier generation.
Stars of Yesterday: Looking Back at Best Lecomte Stakes Winners
The Louisiana path to the Kentucky Derby begins this Saturday, with the running of the Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes.
Garrett Gomez: A Stellar Yet Star-Crossed Rider
The year was 2006 and Ron Anderson, agent to the stars, was trying to determine his next move following the retirement of Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey. Although he had been contacted by a number of prominent riders seeking his services, nothing felt quite right. Then Julio Canani, a trainer based on the West Coast, called. “J.C., what’s up?” Anderson said. “Somebody here needs to talk to you,” Canani replied.
