Block · one region of the page, as the scanner read it. It may hold a whole story, part of one, several, or an advertisement; stitching blocks into articles is the next step. Text is supplied OCR.
Page 31 · column 1 of 6 · from the scan, no model involved
other May 5 headline hone race: the Kentucky Derby.
Though if a open to amateurs and professionals alike, the Virginia Gold Cup, like many of the nation’s top timber races, has become the realm of the unpaid amateur jockey. With three exceptions (2001, *02 and *03) amateur riders have won the Cup since 1975.
In a package of feature articles, find out why top pros sometimes shun the 4-foot solid timber and why the longer timber routes favor owner-riders (two have won since 1975) and trainer-riders (17 of the last 30 winners were ridden to victory by the very person that knew the horse best: the trainer).
We delve into the tougher questions, too: what is an “amateur” steeplechase jockey, anyway? Don’t they get paid to exercise horses? Don't they accept expense reimbursement and “gifts”? Do the professionals dislike them? Are they taking mounts from the pros? Does anyone care?
We take a hard look at the delicate matter of money: how much can a top pro earn from a single mount or in a single year of racing? And how is it that an amateur can hold down a “regular” job while finding time to ride enough horses to stay fit, trim and in practice. Find out inside.
And look at our full-color
81.7%