Scott Stevens – The Iron Man
Early March in Phoenix was more like late April some years. A number of desert plants were already close to blooming, but nowhere was life any more vibrant on this particular morning than the stable area at Turf Paradise. A visitor was getting a tour of the barn area from jockey Scott Stevens when the […]
Nik Goodwin – The Local Boy
Nik Goodwin got his first look at the backside of Canterbury Downs in late spring of 1986. His father, Duane, trained a single quarter horse and Nik, a fifth grader, spent the summer with him, cleaning stalls and hanging out on the backside. His father and grandfather had raced in the bushes and at small […]
The Crafty Cajun
Bobby Walker, Jr., made his way up the tunnel after a race last week, moving slowly and clearly in pain but intent on riding the next race nonetheless. It wasn’t going to happen. He simply wasn’t able, not after taking the head of an 1,100-pound thoroughbred directly to the groin. The question here doesn’t concern his […]
Dean Butler – The Pro
He’s not apt to give you a high five, a slap on the back or rap knuckles with you. It is often difficult to gauge just what’s stirring within him because his usual demeanor is that of a focused, take-charge individual. To Dean Butler, the horse racing business is all business. There is no drama, […]
Juan of a Kind
All three male members of the Rivera family share the same first name, Juan, so it seems obvious to wonder how the Senora of the household summons one of them. The question was put to her youngest son on Sunday, “how does your mother, Margarita, know which Juan to call when she wants one of you.” […]
Redefining Wonder Woman
Next time you’re in St. Thomas De Conac in the South of France and want a fine meal and maybe a bottle of delicate wine, stop by the Bar Brasserie. While awaiting your exquisitely prepared meal, you might enjoy looking at some of the racing paraphernalia, photographs and such, that adorn the walls. It won’t take […]
Jack Kaenel’s Improbable Ride
The movie reel in his mind began rolling with the first strains of Maryland My Maryland Saturday afternoon, reeling off the events of that special occasion in vivid technicolor. Jack Kaenel was on the mezzanine of the grandstand at Canterbury Park watching the 137th running of the Preakness Stakes on the 30th anniversary of his stirring, […]
The 2012 Jockey Colony
Several new faces join the Canterbury jockey colony this season and should fit well with the established riders that include Derek Bell, Dean Butler, Scott Stevens, Lori Keith et al. Tanner Riggs makes his return to Shakopee and will be handled by agent Richard Grunder who also books mounts for Juan Rivera. Larren Delorme moves […]
2012 Jockey Rumor Mill Begins
You know the live race meet is near when the Canterbury stable begins coming to life. Trainers are now sending in their advance teams to prepare barns for the imminent arrival of horses this week. Lay down the mats, hang the tubs, bed the stalls, sharpen the pitch forks. The main track will open for […]
Stevens Continues To Defy Odds
Scott Stevens had just ridden his first winner of the current meet at Canterbury Park and stepped off the scales in the winner’s circle. A fan kept vying for his attention and got it an instant before Stevens bounded down the stairs to the jockeys’ lounge. “Great start,” the railbird said. “It’s a start,” Stevens […]
