A Jockey on the rise, and one in the making
Krigger has won four straight stakes races during the current Golden Gate Fields Meet. The record is five, held by Russell Baze, when back in 2009, he won the California Derby and El Camino Real Derby (on Chocolate Candy), the California Oaks (Will O Way), the Campanile Stakes (Victorina), and the McCann’s Mojave Stakes (El Gato Malo).
The current run by Krigger kicked off in the Golden Gate Debutante when he guided Lady of Fifty to a win for Jerry Hollendorfer. He then rode Passing Game to a 39-1 upset win in the Golden Nugget Stakes (for Gary Sherlock) then won on Our Nautique in the All American Stakes (for Hollendorfer) and last week came back on Lady of Fifty again to win the Corte Madera Stakes.
But getting number five won’t be easy for the meets second leading rider. Blacky the Bull hasn’t run since his Nov.4th , eighth place finish in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Sprint. His only win came in a maiden win at Santa Anita.
But nonetheless, Krigger has been hot. His five wins last Saturday pushed him into second place in the jockey standings and he currently leads in money won, thanks to the stakes wins.
“I really have to thank Jerry,” Krigger said after his win in the Corte Madera on Saturday. “I couldn’t be winning these stakes races without his support.”
Lady of Fifty has established herself as the best two-year-old filly on the grounds with her second stakes win of the season.
“She was a lot more professional this time around,” Krigger said. “She was a lot more focused this time and turning for home she did everything right.”
A Jockey in the Making
Social media outlets, such as Facebook, can be used for many networking ideas in any business. Can you use it in horse racing? Most definitely.
Through my Facebook, I have corresponded with former jockeys I grew up watching as well as top trainers and journalists.
One person I came across is Brittany Burrows. She is an 18-year old from Northern California. Her dream is to be a jockey and now she is taking steps to achieve that dream. Brittany is currently in her 30 day trial period at the Frank Garza Jockey School.
Brittany’s determination to ride horses piqued my curiosity to keep updated on her career. So, through Facebook, Brittany will be giving me journal type entries, detailing her journey. These entries will be making regular appearances on Bay Area Backstretch. I hope you find her determination as incredible as I do and enjoy following her until she reaches the starting gate.
December 5th, 2011 -
“I've loved animals all my life but as I got older horses became my favorite. I use to live in Sacramento before we moved to Shingle Springs, so I had a few lessons here and there but I always wanted more to do with horses. When I turned 13 I got my first horse and I still have him to this day, I think he sparked my passion for horses even more. I've been wanting to be a jockey since I was 12 years old after I saw Seabiscuit and I started following races on tv. Then my parents took me to Cal Expo for the first time and ever since then I've never wanted to do any other career.
Once I realized I wanted to be a jockey I did everything I could to learn about it. I looked up things online, read books or magazines, went to different tracks, watched many races on TVG, and just asked anyone if they had race horses or knew anyone who was involved.
During my first week here i've learned how the Equicizer works, basic jogging and galloping skills, and how to post and stand. Basically things to build up my strength to stand longer. I try to learn about anything I can even if i'm not that stage yet, i'll watch the other riders who have been here longer and see if I can pick up things from them." - Brittany Burrows