Dale Beckner’s phone has been ringing a little more than usual lately. And for good reason. He recently won the $750,000 West Virginia Derby. And as Dale told us, “everyone loves a winner.” After sitting down with him at Erie’s Presque Isle Downs, we couldn’t agree more.
TrackPack: Dale, you know all about winning. But tell us, what does it feel like when you lose?
Dale Beckner: This sport has so many ups and downs, you just have to take it in stride. As long as I helped the horse run to the best of his ability, I feel like I’ve done my best. If the owner and trainer are happy, so am I.
You want to stay away from a horse showing too much energy in the paddock because this takes away from the energy they'll need for the race.
- Dale Beckner, Jockey
TP: Tell us about your relationship with the horse.
DB: To win you need a good horse under you. I’ve been on such great horses that they want to win no matter what I do. But honestly, it’s real teamwork out there.
TP: Can you remember your first horse you won on?
DB: Juanita’s Honor. I really knew her. Great horse.
TP: Do the horses know why they’re here?
DB: Absolutely! They’re athletes just like us. They train for this and they want to win. They know it’s “Go time.”
TP: What should a laymen look for in a horse (before putting down his bet?)
DB: Go to the paddock and look for their athleticism. The way they move. The confidence in their steps. You want to stay away from a horse showing too much energy in the paddock, because this takes away from the energy they’ll need for the race.
TP: Were you always athletic as a kid?
DB: Yes, I played all sports in school. I grew up on a cattle ranch but didn’t really ride that much growing up. I had a neighbor who was a trainer and I started riding for him. After that I was hooked.
TP: Hooked?
DB: It’s an adrenaline rush. You really have to have a passion for it. That gets you through the tough times.
TP: Broken anything?
DB: Hmmm... let me count. Ankle, knee, back, collar bone...
TP: Yikes! And you get back up on the horse?
DB: It’s a tough sport. You’re gonna take your lumps. But if you love it, you get back up.
TP: Tell us about handicapping. Do they still weigh down the horses?
DB: We carry the weight with led packs. I have three different weight saddles: 2 lbs, 4 lbs and 6 lbs.
TP: Is it because of the horse’s weight?
DB: No, not their weight, it’s usually based on their age and condition.
TP: Do you have a racing strategy?
DB: You have to be versatile with every horse. If he’s a speed horse you can’t hold him back for first part of the race – you have to let them run the way they want. You listen to the trainer and adjust. But some trainers just let me feel it out and run the race my way.
TP: Has racing taken you anywhere unusual?
DB: A couple of years ago I rode the circuit in Saudi Arabia and Dubai. Phenomenal tracks over there. I wanted to experience it. But I came back.
TP: When you’re not racing, where can we find you?
DB: I’ve called Erie home for the last 3 years. I love this area. I love to hang on the lake in my boat. The fishing and skiing here is great.
TP: And for kids coming up... any advice?
DB: Have a passion for the sport. Have the drive. Surround yourself with good, experienced people. Listen for the advice from the more experience riders. We compete with the younger riders... but we want to take care of them, too.
