Latest news with #jockey
The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
‘I knew what I was doing' – Jockey slapped with six-month cocaine ban after ‘utterly stupid' blunder
A CHELTENHAM-winning jockey has been branded 'utterly stupid' - after being hit with a six-month cocaine ban. Amateur rider Sam Lee admitted 'I knew full well what I was doing' as the huge suspension was handed out. 1 Popular Lee warmed to punters as a cheeky chappy in front of the ITV cameras before finishing third on Golan Fortune at Cheltenham in November 2020. Prior to that he won a Listed contest on the same horse at the home of jumps to mark himself out as a jockey to follow. But now his career looks in disarray after he was read the riot act in a no-holds-barred BHA disciplinary hearing. Lee was found to have taken cocaine two days before a ride - on which he finished second - at Warwick in May. But panel chairman James O'Mahony explained how, in Lee's account of events, it was in a way accidental. The jockey accepted he knew what the white powder was when he put it into his mouth. But contact came about 'inadvertently' when the Class A drug was passed around on some banknotes. O'Mahony said: "He did know what it was, or he had a good idea what it was, and he ingested it, took it deliberately. "So it's not accidental in that sense but he didn't procure it deliberately." While BHA barrister Charlotte Davison said: "He accepted he was aware of what the substance was before he put it into his mouth. "He said, 'I knew full well what I was doing' and described himself as being 'a bit of a plonker' for doing what he did." Lee said in a video sent to the hearing that he had suffered indescribable lows since the positive drugs test. He insisted the whole ordeal had given him a 'kick up the a**e' and added: "I want to help you guys to help me get my licence back as quick as I can." O'Mahony pulled no punches, though. He said: "What you did was utterly stupid. It's a Class A drug for goodness sake. "The authorities must come down hard on any question of cocaine being used by the persons involved in racing." took ketamine three days a week contaminated horses.
Telegraph
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Telegraph
I'm a jockey and I eat more apples than most horses
As part of our What I eat in a day series, Will Buick, a 36-year-old jockey, shares what he eats when he is training. 5.30am: Wake up In horse racing, mornings start around 5 or 6am – and that's been the case since I first worked in stables at about six years old. My father, Walter Buick, was a jockey, and I began riding seriously when I was around 12. I rode my first professional race in August 2006, aged 18, and won my first race at Salisbury the following year on Bank on Benny. I'm used to the early starts – and now that I've got two young kids, they're a given. Every morning I'll have a strong black coffee, along with some electrolytes – I use the LMNT brand – mixed with water. They're great for hydration and maintaining body salts. Some mornings I get to spend time with my two sons, Thomas (5) and Oscar (2), before school and nursery, which feels really special – especially as the season gets busy and I'm often away, on the road or flying. 6.30am: Training I usually train before I eat. Ideally, I'll get in a session fasted – just coffee and electrolytes beforehand – then eat afterwards. Breakfast is often around 9am. I typically only have two meals a day, so I'll pick between breakfast and lunch, and always have dinner. Fitness is especially important for jockeys, as we're usually a few pounds – or even up to a stone – below our natural body weight. Right now, I'm happy at 8 stone 8lbs. We need lean muscle and core strength to control horses racing at up to 40mph, and being fit and strong also helps reduce the risk of injury when you fall. Although I still suffered a compression fracture of a vertebra after a fall from Permian in 2017, I recovered well and won the Derby at Epsom the following year. The Derby is the pinnacle of flat racing, so it means a huge amount to me to have won it. I started taking fitness really seriously around 15 or 16 years ago. I've got a home gym set-up and a personal trainer who comes to the house two or three days a week, depending on my racing schedule. I run between five to 10k every day on the treadmill, depending on the day. I also use an assault bike – a stationary bike that challenges the whole body – which is brutal. After that, I'll do one or two circuits, sometimes bodyweight, sometimes with weights. Early in the race season, we focus on addressing imbalances and weaknesses. It's become part of my daily routine: even on busy days, doing something to move the body and reset the mind makes a huge difference, physically and mentally. I also have a cable machine for resistance training, which is more controlled than using free weights. I do high repetitions at high intensity to keep the heart rate up and get a good sweat on. I've got a sauna at home too, and I weigh myself every day to make sure I'm where I need to be. There's no strict height or weight requirement, but most flat race jockeys weigh no more than 8st 9lbs (56.5kg). 8am: Breakfast I don't really have any post-workout stuff like protein shakes. I have in the past, but I felt like they made me gain weight – maybe it was just in my head – so I dropped them. Instead, I'll have breakfast and maybe some fruit snacks during the day. For breakfast, it's either eggs or kefir yogurt with berries – blueberries, raspberries, strawberries – plus a bit of honey, chia seeds, hemp protein, turmeric, walnuts… the whole lot. I like to pack in the nutrients. Over the past year or two, I've been doing intermittent fasting, usually an 18 to 21-hour fast once or twice a week. It helps with weight management. That said, I don't do it every day – we lead such active lives that on some days you just need fuel in the tank. There are a lot of myths around about a jockey's diet, like the idea that we don't eat at all. But we do eat – we're just limited in how much – so when I do eat, I want it to be good fuel. I've always tried to eat healthily. I grew up with that mindset. Dad's Scottish, my mum's Danish; I grew up in Scandinavia and moved to England when I was 16. Dad cooked all the time back then – lots of fish, veg, a really Mediterranean-style diet too – and that's stuck with me. Snacks I probably won't eat again until late afternoon – it depends on the race schedule – but I do snack on apples throughout the day. I'll eat two or three apples a day; I'm a Pink Lady man. I also drink water with electrolytes and have two or three cups of black coffee or green tea – in fact, I drink a lot of green tea. I've spent a lot of time in Japan throughout my career, so my green tea habit is probably influenced by that. 5.30pm: Dinner Our kids eat at about 5 or 5.30pm, so if I'm at home we'll eat at the same time – I don't like eating late. The later you eat, the more it sits on you, and it probably isn't as good for your weight either. So yes, early dinner. We actually had an Ocado food truck turn up earlier and there was salmon and sea bass in the order, so it's going to be fish tonight. I know you shouldn't have fish on a Monday, but today's the day. My wife, Jane, says I've got an obsession with it – which I probably have. I could eat sea bass every day. I'd grill it in the oven, skin side up, with lemon, salt, pepper and a bit of extra virgin olive oil on the skin. It takes less than five minutes to cook. We might have vegetables, salad, rice – wholegrain rice – or sweet potato. I'm a big fan of sweet potatoes. Nine times out of 10, the kids eat what we eat. As a kid I was fortunate – me and my brothers ate with our parents – so I try to do the same with the children. Just occasionally, they'll eat something different and we have to put a fish finger on! My diet is pretty balanced and I try to stick to my routines even when travelling abroad. Last weekend I was at a big event – the Dubai World Cup – riding nine races in total. It's hugely prestigious, and horses travel from all over to compete. In those situations I'll have a good breakfast, and maybe lunch – something with eggs ideally – as we'll ride later in the afternoon or early evening out there because of the temperatures. I've tried a few things diet‑wise over the years. I did a short vegan stint – about two weeks – which I found quite tough. My wife's pescatarian, and she handled it no problem. For me, it was more missing things like eggs than meat itself. Eggs are a big part of my diet – great protein, really satisfying. I'm quite open-minded about trying new dishes. But it has to work for you and your routine. Sustainability is key. Anyone can be good for a day – the challenge is being consistent, day after day. I've always been fond of Japanese food – sushi, sashimi – those sorts of contemporary Japanese dishes are probably some of my favourites. When I first went to Japan, I couldn't believe how much pride they take in their food – how it's served, how delicate and detailed it is. The Japanese diet is good for a jockey too – they're very light eaters and the traditional Japanese diet – miso soup, vegetables, seafood – is very healthy and balanced. Treats in the off-season I don't really have a sweet tooth. I might go in for a small bit of chocolate – and if I do, I try to stick to dark chocolate. I'm not really a dessert man – I'd rather have a starter. If I was going to have something, it would probably be a nice, fresh sorbet. Once the kids go to bed, we're probably down by 9 or 9.30pm – definitely by 10. By then we've had a long day, so a good sleep pattern is key. It's a 24/7 lifestyle, so getting proper rest is vital to perform at the top level. We race all year round now, so I don't really have an off‑season. At Christmas I make sure I don't miss a meal though. I might get a week off over Christmas – maybe 10 days – but I still try to stay fit and active. I'd always go to the gym. The idea of gaining weight and then having to work doubly hard to shift it – no thanks. I know it sounds a bit boring, but there's no food binge. Christmas dinner – I'll go all in, but that's it. William Buick is the two-time defending Flat Jockeys' champion, claimed the title in 2022 and 2023, achieving an impressive 157 and 135 winners respectively. To find out more about William Buick and other jockeys, please visit
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Working Hard': Jockey Edwin Gonzalez Notches 2,000th Win
'Working Hard': Jockey Edwin Gonzalez Notches 2,000th Win originally appeared on Paulick Report. Jockey Edwin Gonzalez rode the 2000th winner of his career Sunday at Gulfstream Park, guiding Bobby Bob to victory in race 34-year-old jockey was accompanied by his wife Karina and friends during a winner's circle ceremony celebrating a milestone achieved by winning a lot of races at every stop in a well-traveled career.'I'm feeling amazing. It's been a long road to get here. It was a special moment crossing the wire,' said Gonzalez, who stalked the pace aboard Bobby Bob ($8) before making a wide stretch rally aboard the Antonio Sano-trained 3-year-old gelding to prevail by three-quarters of a length in the mile-and-70-yard maiden claiming race on Tapeta. 'I came here [to the U.S.] alone and kept working hard. I'm going to keep working 24-7.' Gonzalez has been a standout at his profession, literally, as well as physically. Noticeably tall for a jockey, he has used what others may view as a disadvantage to his distinct advantage.'I help the horses with my legs and long arms. I've learned from some good guys, like Edwin Castro -- he's a tall rider in Puerto Rico,' said Gonzalez, referring to Camarero's dominant veteran jockey with more than 2800 winners. 'Turning for home, I help them with my legs and my long arms. I don't have to hit them.'Gonzalez first ventured to Gulfstream at the tail end of the 2020-2021 Championship Meet, winning his first race at the Hallandale Beach track aboard Phat Man on March 28, 2021, on his second day of competition. He has gone on to become a prominent year-round force in the Gulfstream jockeys' room.'I've been riding better horses for better trainers. They gave me the opportunity to keep going,' said Gonzalez, whose mounts have earned more than $41.5 million in purses. 'I've been working hard. I've been given the opportunity to ride good horses. I thank all the trainers that support me.' Born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, Gonzalez rode his first winner at Camarero aboard his third mount, Perfeccionista, Dec. 20, 2009. He rode 443 winners before relocating to Penn National in 2013. He dominated the jockey's standings there, achieving a win rate of 31 percent in 2019 while riding 236 winners and 34 percent in 2020 while winning 172 races. He notched career win No. 1000 aboard Pilot Moon at Penn National on March 11, 2021, shortly before moving on to won his first Gulfstream riding title during last fall's Sunshine Meet, edging defending champion Edgard Zayas by one winner on closing day. Since arriving at Gulfstream Park, he has averaged just shy of one winner from every five winning four graded stakes in Puerto Rico, including the Grade 1 Clasico Dia del Veterano, Gonzalez has registered three graded-stakes scores in the U.S. aboard Ghost Hunter in the 2017 Arlington Handicap (G3), Shifty She in the 2021 Noble Damsel (G2) and Skippylongstocking in the 2022 West Virginia Derby (G3). This story was originally reported by Paulick Report on Jul 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
The Sun
a day ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Jockey who fled country after ‘practically jumping off' horse hit with massive 18-month ban and fine
A JOCKEY who fled the country after 'practically jumping off' a horse has been hit with a massive 18-month ban and fine. Footage of Brazilian rider Lemos 'Lai Lai' De Souza's spill from favourite Pacific Power gained worldwide notoriety. 4 4 4 4 Pacific Power was favourite for a race at Selangor racecourse in Malaysia but drifted just before the off. De Souza was seen appearing to bounce in the saddle before theatrically falling off the horse seconds after the gates opened. Commentator Devon Pretorius said at the time: "He practically jumped off the horse." Stewards attempted to open an urgent investigation into the incident, which occurred earlier this month. But matters were complicated after it emerged De Souza had fled the country for Singapore so he could receive medical treatment. The jockey was said to have returned a few days later - giving stewards the chance to probe him. And, following the completion of the investigation, they decided to ban De Souza for 18 months and hand him a £7,500 fine. In another blow, the jockey is not allowed to reapply for his licence until a further 12 months after his ban ends. De Souza, who had pleaded not guilty, was deemed to have 'failed to ride his horse to the satisfaction of the stewards'. He could have been disqualified for life but stewards took into account his previous good record. Footage of De Souza's fall was viewed hundreds of thousands of times online. And many agreed with Pretorious' description of the incident. He said: "A look at the replay here… Pacific Power jumps and Lai Lai - I'm not too sure if the saddle slipped. "Then he pretty much knew his fate about ten metres out of the starting stalls and then practically jumped off the horse as he knew he wasn't going to get his foot back in his irons on his right side." This is the second such incident to rock racing in recent months. An investigation is still ongoing into Irish jockey Philip Byrnes' dramatic fall from Redwood Queen at Wexford in May. While fellow jockey Alvinio Roy was in Mauritius last year. . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who:
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Prolific NSW jockey Darryl ‘Digger' McLellan retires due to shoulder injury
Darryl 'Digger' McLellan has announced his retirement due to an ongoing shoulder problem. The 54-year-old said 'it wasn't the way' he wanted his career to finish but 'not everyone gets to finish on their terms'. 'The shoulder has had enough,' McLellan said. 'It's the same shoulder that forced me to retire last time.' McLellan suffered the injury to his left shoulder in a 2011 race fall at Newcastle. His last winner came aboard his second last ride aboard Zelestial in a Class 1 Handicap (1400m) at Coffs Harbour on June 29. McLellan admitted his comeback hadn't played out how he would have liked but he remained grateful to have been able to return to the saddle and ride for another eight years. 'It didn't go how I'd hoped but I still rode winners and I've very happy that I got to have a career as a jockey,' he said. 'I don't want to dwell on things and now it's time for the next chapter.' • McLellan's career started in 1989 and he rode more than 1700 winners including 28 black-type races (two Group 1 s, seven Group 2 s, five Group 3 s and 14 Listed races). 'Obviously winning my first Group 1 aboard Magic Of Money in The Galaxy and the Sydney Cup on Henderson Bay were big thrills,' he said. 'But the win that meant the most to be was winning the Newcastle Cup on Silent Impact in 2000. 'It was during the Olympics and it was a stand-alone Saturday meeting. 'I never saw more people at Newcastle than I did that day.' • Via Sistina, Fangirl, Tom Kitten and others set to ramp up spring prep with Tuesday trials In 1992/93, McLellan was crowned Champion Sydney Apprentice. Being a natural lightweight rider, McLellan experienced some great opportunities during his career aboard the best horses he ever sat on. 'Lonhro and Saintly without a doubt were the best,' he said. 'I won the Warwick Stakes on Lonhro at three and I got to win a race aboard Saintly at Newcastle early in his career. I know what a good horse feels like.' • Robusto too tough in Winter Challenge as Baker eyes Group 1 Among his other career highlights, McLellan recalled a horse he believes was a special talent, but his career ended before he got the chance. 'Court Command could have been something special too,' he said. 'He won the Golden Rose, but he was never the same after his spring three-year-old campaign. 'I won the last-ever Peter Pan aboard Sportsman and a few mates were in the ownership so that was a great day, and I also went close in a Doncaster aboard Lease. It took Sunline to beat him. 'When you think about it I should have won three more Group 1s. 'The Peter Pan became the Golden Rose a year later and I won that race twice before it became a Group 1 and the Warwick Stakes is now the Winx Stakes and it's a Group 1 too. 'Maybe I'll just tell people I won five. 'I consider myself lucky that I get to retire with some great memories.'
