Real-Life Communication
The most important communication a jockey does involves telling the trainer or owner how and why a race went as it did. This is a tricky business, because if you lose the race, the trainer may think it was your fault and not the horse's. You may feel there is something wrong with the horse, or simply that you and the horse don't work well together.
Some trainers are very touchy about their horses, so if the one you rode has a problem, you have tell the trainer gently, especially if you want to keep riding that trainer's horses in the future.
Such is the case this afternoon. You have just finished a race on Delaney Presto, a horse with a good reputation. You have ridden the trainer's horses before with excellent results, but today Delaney Presto seemed to be lagging back and to the right. It's frustrating, because you are a good rider but you only came in seventh.
Delaney Presto didn't seem to be interested in the race. It was as if she would rather be grazing in a quiet field somewhere else. She avoided the pack and was unresponsive to your riding crop. Maybe she's getting too old for this. Maybe she's sick.
You certainly don't want to suggest that the trainer isn't taking care of her. He is sensitive about these things. Presto has done well this week. He may think it's just you.
See if you can explain your concerns to the trainer and suggest what might be the problem. Remember to be gentle yet confident that you know what you're talking about. At any rate, you don't want to lose the trainer's business. You must put up a professional but considerate attitude -- after all, this is the PR work you do for yourself.
Want to learn more about the world of horse racing? Why not read some columns by freelance writer and race expert Ed Golden?
Golden Glimpses
Internet:http://www.webcom.com/~alauck/golden/index.html