Horse Racing Champion Jockey Sends Heartfelt Shoutout to Legend Trainer for Milestone ‘First Win’

Is the horse racing world all about competing, winning and one of glories? Of course not. That’s clearly not the case on account of several in-field and off-field inspirational instances we catch glimpses of. In the same vein, when the leading apprentice rider on the NYRA circuit of 2023 started sharing his life story and love for his sport, many such occurrences surfaced. And undoubtedly, being an athlete of such a great measure, he didn’t shy away from showing gratitude.

Jockey Jaime Torres, the 24-year-old Puerto Rican native, had once said, “I saw the races and fell in love with it”. But him getting involved in equestrianism more and more had a lot to do with some inspirational figures. With added motivation, resilience, a little pluck as well, he recounts vividly a win that stood out.

Maiden victory for D. Wayne Lucas heralded as a glorious springboard

Having started his US career with Palm Meadows Training Center under trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. in Florida, Torres further came in contact with D. Wayne Lukas. The 88-year-old Hall of Fame trainer has secured 20 Breeders’ Cup races, is popularly known to have trained champions. Under the ownership of MyRacehorse, an equine named Seize the Grey, trained by Lukas, the reins were eventually handed over to Torres. After having worked with Lukas engrossedly, Torres has said, “I remember every moment and every win I had in New York, but the first win for D. Wayne Lukas with Seize the Grey was very special. The kind of trainer he is – he’s a legend”. 

He further continued, “I remember Angel Cordero told me to visit his barn just to introduce me and, for me, that was a moment I will never forget”. Speaking of Seize the Grey, the 2-year-old colt had a phenomenal year in 2023. And the credit goes to both his trainer and his rider.

Seize the Grey is a conduit of the Lukas-Torres combo

At Ellis Park, when the young colt appeared to win his maiden special race in July 2023, little did he know that he would finish second-last. But later, at the Saratoga Racecourse, when he appeared for another bout, he looked different. Winning by 1 3/4 lengths over Dornoch, the colt flew to victory with Jaime Torres saddled on top.

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On a happy winning note, Lukas had said, “Today, he just took off, and he looked very professional.” Further on, Lukas accoladed the horse, saying, “The photographer loves me after this one. He’ll be able to sell about 400 pictures off of this one. I am really happy for all the people who own him.” Right at that moment, the bond between Lukas and Torres tugged at the fans heart strings.

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