Quote:
Originally Posted by MaTH716
I really don't understand your plea/post. Wouldn't a good goal be, trying to be the best of your profession? OK, he has accomplished a lot in California and no one is taking anything away from him. Although dominant might be a bit over the top, especially when the feeling seems to be (or at least the one I get) is that Raffie is the go to money guy out there. But I agree he has done very well for himself out there. But possibly it's to the point where he feels like he's accomplished all he's going to accomplish out there and he's starting to spin his wheels. If he wants to be the best and get nationally recoginized then he's going to the right place.
I really don't understand what jocks going from east to west has to do with the situation. What's the worst thing that could happen? If he bombs in NY, he'll just go back west and his buisness will eventually go back to normal. It's not like it's that deep of a colony out there Vic.
Now I have no idea if of Rosario's personal life, but I wish I could spend the summer in Saratoga. As far as NY goes, Belmont and Aqueduct are what 10 miles from each other. Besides what about the times that he will be able to ride in muliple races at different tracks on the same day. Can't do that from California. Ok winters on the inner can be brutal, but Ramon deals with it. If Joel rides to his ability he should have no problem going to Florida and getting mounts for the winter if he doesn't want to brave the cold. So obviously I'm not buying the logistics deal either.
Not sure what you are saying about his mornings, but I almost feel like you are trying to knock a hole in his work ethic. As far as the agents colluding to freeze out other jocks, isn't that another knock? If he's so dominant, why do the agents need to do that. Shouldn't all the trainers be knocking down his door?
I just feel like for a guy who used to be his agent and friend who raved about his ability all the time, this is far from the strong vote of confidence that I would expect from you. Not even a good luck Joel, I just find the whole commentary very strange and disappointing. Makes me think that this is just a case of sour grapes.
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Having represented many jockeys over the years including Joel my post was an opinion about what I would advise and think would be in his best interests professionally. Period.
I totally understand wanting to conquer new challenges and have new life's experiences. I get that. Especially for a young man like Joel. Furthermore I 100% agree he can leave, come back, and be embraced and dominant immediately.
As far as East/West goes. There can only be three guys in the top three in each place. Duh! Joel is unquestionably 1 or 2 here in California. Based on the last 3 years I would say #1. Heady stuff and believe me being leading rider is VERY important to these guys.
To expect to be on top in NY at least for the immediate is unreasonable. Joel rode here for 2 years before breaking into the top five. So lot's of time and effort will have to be put in. No doubt in my mind he has the talent to do it. My question is why bother when he's already a kingpin here? He's a 20 something and I'm a set in my ways old fart of 53 so again I do understand.
As far as his work ethic. I view that as just the opposite. I'm not knocking him at all. When I had his book it was occasionally an issue. I felt it was the difference between him being 3rd to Gomez and Bejarano and being No. 1. It's something alot of young millionaires in many sports must have to focus on. He was getting a thousand times better towards the end of our working together and now with Ronnie he misses no mornings or afternoons. I truly believe Ronnie is better for Joel than I was. He's more of a friend while I felt some generational friction. I think I pestered and pushed a little more than he liked while Ronnie approaches motivation from a different angle and Joel has responded wonderfully.
I have no more sour grapes than any other human he felt was unjustly fired. However I've moved on. My relationship with Joel is friendly and respectful. I'm certainly happy when he does well. I root for him always and take some pride in knowing I was instumental in his success and ascent to becoming an elite rider.
Agents that have enough power and business to work together and freeze others out is tried and true good business. Be it horseracing or any other endeavour. I never did that with Joe Ferrer cuz I liked the competetion too much. Just wanted to beat him straight up. Rarely did. Talk about top flight agents. That guy is the Black Mamba.