Alex Canchari was a heck of a jockey. He had immense talent and drive. His arrival on the racing scene in 2011 was a source of pride with Canterbury Park horse players for Alex was one of us. He was a local and quickly became known as The Shakopee Kid.
Alex died Wednesday.
His sister Ashley posted this on her Facebook account:
“My heart physically hurts. I’m so sorry you were in so much pain Alex and thought there was no other way out. I know you’re happy again with Dad. I don’t even know what else to say, this is an unbelievable loss.”
Alex chased a dream and caught it. He was a professional jockey like his father Luis and brother Patrick. Alex had great success.
By the numbers he had 1044 wins, 344 occurred here including his 1,000th last summer. In the money 49 percent of the time at Canterbury, he is seventh all time in purse earnings.
He was more than those numbers. Everyone that knew him, no matter how well, has their memories of Alex. He was genuine. He had children and a family and racing fans that cared about him. A smile that lit up the racetrack. He was confident, displaying bravado on that racetrack, but humble and approachable off.
It is apparent that he was troubled as well. His family over the past few years has borne multiple tragedies with the debilitating injury Patrick suffered in a car accident and the death of Luis in 2020.
The unfathomable loss of Alex has saddened the racing community from coast to coast.
Alex was indeed one of us and could be any of us. Alex was but 29 years old. He left this world too soon.
A Go Fund Me page has been established by Ashley.
– If you are in need of help, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, is available 24/7 by calling 988. –
