With five starts for the season and four first-place efforts, Hazelbrook has now elevated Jason Hoyte into the stakes-winning jockey category by winning two grade 3 stakes at Woodbine. This year alone Hazelbrook has made $248,595, winning all of her races with Jason Hoyte in the saddle.
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| Jason Hoyte celebrates |
I had a small chat with the winning jockey himself Jason Hoyte about the ride and what it felt like to win the Ontario fashion stakes. Jason said honestly it is a great feeling and an awesome experience. He praises trainer Lorne Richards and commends him on his training ability not only with Hazelbook but also with other horses. I asked Jason Hoyte if he felt any pressure leading up to the race since the horse was an overwhelming favorite for the race. He said to me "honestly I felt no pressure because I know the horse and I am always cool no matter the occasion".
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| winning owners |
Hazelbook drew the one hole and I asked Jason Hoyte if he had any concerns about being on the rail since the horse had always come from the outside to win. Jason recognizes that most or all of the jockeys knew the same information about his horse coming into the race. His main concern after the race got going was the horse in front of him stopping which could impede Hazelbrook's chances to win the race. Once the race shaped up the way that it did he knew that his horse was not going to lose and he rode her to victory as planned.
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Speaking with Jason I could hear how excited he still was about winning the race. Jason also commented on enjoying the moment with his daughter in the winner's circle celebrating the victory.
So what's next for Hazelbrook I asked Jason Hoyte and he quickly points to the trainer. I guess we will have to wait to find out!
derek.barntrack@gmail.com