At 58 years of age, jockey Tony Black has seen and done it all – and survived to tell the tales. TrackPackPA sat down with Tony to talk horses, history and herniated discs. Always the gentleman, we now know why they call it the “Sport of Kings.”
TrackPack: So, is it rude to ask how tall you are?
Tony Black: Not at all. I’m 4’11” ... 110 lbs.
The horses are smarter! Smarter than the trainers and the jockeys. When you ride them you become one...
- Tony Black, Jockey
TP: What’s your record?
TB: Let’s see... I’ve won well over 5,000 races. And I’ve probably made over 32,000 rides.
TP: How many times do you race now?
TB: I race 4-5 days a week. And 3-4 races each day. You do the math.
TP: Yikes, that’s a lot. Does it ever get old?
TB: Your competitive instincts take over. It could be a $5000 claiming race or a $500,000 stakes race – when I stand up at the wire and I know I’ve won, it’s the same thrill. When I quit riding I’m worried how I’m going to get that same sensation.
TP: So who’s more competitive, the horse or the jockey? Do horses “want to win?”
TB: There’s an array of horses. Some need encouragement or the show of the whip. Others are so competitive they only know one thing – run as hard as they can. As for the drivers, if you’re not competitive by nature, you better get out of this business.
TP: Ok, then who’s smarter?
TB: The horses are smarter! Smarter than the trainers and jockeys. When you ride them you become one – two athletes that are simpatico with the same goal.
TP: Are you a horse whisperer?
TB: There is a vibration -- a feeling that a horse can get from you. The way you sit, where you put your hands on the horses neck... the tone of voice you use. They know.
TP: When did you first realize you wanted to be a jockey?
TB: I wanted to be a doctor when I was young, but quickly realized there would be no Dr. Black in the family. My uncle was a rider and I was in a racing family. I loved the opportunity to be 4’11” and still be an athlete. I knew basketball was out.
TP: First race?
TB: I was 18 years old. The horse’s name was Stand By Me... We won... he paid $154. I never forgot that one.
TP: It’s a dangerous sport. Any near-death experiences?
TB: You name a bone in my body – I’ve broken it. After one pile-up I walked away with a concussion, broken pelvis, broken vertebra, and torn muscle in my leg – and still came back to race a few weeks later. You have to get back up on the horse, pardon the expression.
TP: How do you get along with the other riders?
TB: We get along well. Horseracing is odd that way. You hang out in the break-room for four hours a day with the same guys you’re competing with. Try having the Eagles and Cowboys hang out with each other at half time!
TP: Smarty Jones or Seabiscuit?
TB: Well being from outside Philly, Smarty Jones.
TP: We hear jockeys have groupies.
TB: Yeah, I even married one! Look at me – how can they resist?
TP: Favorite track?
TB: Philadelphia Park [a.k.a. Parx Racing]!
TP: What advice would you give a young kid trying to get in the racing game?
TB: Get your education. But come around the track when you’re still in school. This is an exciting sport. But grueling. So you better know what you’re getting into.
