The Mig ditching the left coast

[CSC]

I've been watching Richard Migliore ride since the high days when John Kimmel was in, and for the life of me I can't figure out why he doesn't get more quality mounts. I counted atleast 7 riders currently that are ahead of him in So Cal standings that if I owned a horse I can honestly say I would have him ride before one of those guys. This one's a mystery...

[ELA]

Originally Posted by CSC

I've been watching Richard Migliore ride since the high days when John Kimmel was in, and for the life of me I can't figure out why he doesn't get more quality mounts. I counted atleast 7 riders currently that are ahead of him in So Cal standings that if I owned a horse I can honestly say I would have him ride before one of those guys. This one's a mystery...

You are right, to many it is somewhat of a "mystery" so to speak. There are plenty of people who feel like you do. But there is a unique dynamic that exists in this game, specifically, in that side of the game. It's not always owners though. I won't get into all the details, but I don't always make the decision as to who rides. OTOH, I haven't owned any top stakes winning horses. But I know plenty of people who have and do. There is a lot that goes into that whole process, most of which might not count for squat, LOL.

Regardless, with trainers, they use certain kind of jocks on certain kind of horses, and with top horses, they must make every call count. It could be their last, LOL. They have preconceived notions, prejudices, etc. just like everyone.

Doesn't matter -- Richie is a guy who should get more quality mounts. It isn't for a lack of passion, desire, ability or work ethic. And, the guy is truly a student of the game.

Eric

[docicu3]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

Come on, man, that's pretty weak.

The guy has a reputation just south of pure saint and it's not wrong to ask a legitimate question that will be asked by racing journalists across the country.

He goes to California approximately 20 months ago to see if he can make it out there after a horrible injury filled 2003-2006. He has a decent 6-9 (months) in California and then things start to slide, he isn't getting as many good mounts the last 6 months, he fires his agent a few months back and now he's coming home. If there are special family circumstances that would have this make sense ,okay could be, but I didn't see that in the story or anywhere else.

The man has four children that are approximately 16,12,10 and 6 years old. Two years ago when he went to California and like alot of fathers who's jobs take them away from home,myself included, he weighs his options and chooses to go west. I am sure he missed those kids and his wife in 2006, they missed him dearly the first time he was away Wed-Sunday and the same is true now.

It's not like looking at an athletes situation when they have announced they have decided to spend more time with the family is character assassination on the contrary I respect this very talented jockey who is a medical miracle
recovering from the injuries he has had winning just about every major award there is from the age of 17 when he won the eclipse for apprentices to multiple versions of jockey of the year in years gone by. What fan is not an admirer of this guy?

It was no secret that injuries took their toll on him the three years prior to going to the west coast.

From NTRA website...

A series of injuries over three consecutive years caused the number and quality of his East Coast mounts to decline. Most notably, broke his leg and injured his Achilles tendon in a paddock accident at Belmont Park nine days prior to the 2005 Breeders' Cup and lost the mount on Artie Shiller, who won the Mile. In 2004, rode Artie Shiller to a 12th place finish in Mile but was later diagnosed with a broken wrist, ribs and pelvis from a gate accident two days prior ... After 26 years of riding on the East Coast, moved West in fall 2006.

Given that the last 6-9 months in California were not as successful as Fall 2006 and his health is far less of an issue it makes sense to consider a previously very fertile environment where everyone respects the guy. It's even possible that both answers to the question are true but it's far from a cheap shot.

[CSC]

Originally Posted by ELA

You are right, to many it is somewhat of a "mystery" so to speak. There are plenty of people who feel like you do. But there is a unique dynamic that exists in this game, specifically, in that side of the game. It's not always owners though. I won't get into all the details, but I don't always make the decision as to who rides. OTOH, I haven't owned any top stakes winning horses. But I know plenty of people who have and do. There is a lot that goes into that whole process, most of which might not count for squat, LOL.

Regardless, with trainers, they use certain kind of jocks on certain kind of horses, and with top horses, they must make every call count. It could be their last, LOL. They have preconceived notions, prejudices, etc. just like everyone.

Doesn't matter -- Richie is a guy who should get more quality mounts. It isn't for a lack of passion, desire, ability or work ethic. And, the guy is truly a student of the game.

Eric

That was a thoughtful response Eric, thanks for that. Hopefully Mr. Migliore will get the mounts he deserves in the future, he can still ride from what I have seen of him. One can only reflect the guy has had some bad luck in his career, from being hurt during Artie S BC win to Hidden Lake having to run in the BC in So Cal and not out east where she was so dominant.

[dalakhani]

Migliore's stats at the recently completed hollywood park spring/summer meet:

130 mounts 19 wins 56 times in the money for percentages of close to 15 and 43.

Thats not bad. 13th in earnings that puts him slightly behind the likes of Martin Pedroza but ahead of the likes of John Court and Corey Nakatani.

I dont think the Mig was having a hard time finding work. Rather, I think that he was selective as to what he would ride and there just arent that many opportunities right now in So Cal.

Originally Posted by dalakhani

Migliore's stats at the recently completed hollywood park spring/summer meet:

130 mounts 19 wins 56 times in the money for percentages of close to 15 and 43.

Thats not bad. 13th in earnings that puts him slightly behind the likes of Martin Pedroza but ahead of the likes of John Court and Corey Nakatani.

I dont think the Mig was having a hard time finding work. Rather, I think that he was selective as to what he would ride and there just arent that many opportunities right now in So Cal.

The quality of racing will increase dramatically at Saratoga but Belmont was a craptacular of epic proportions on most days. The quality of horse couldn't have been much better than Hollywood...unless you hold turf sprinters in high regard.

[hoovesupsideyourhead]

now jamie
theriot will get even less crumbs..

[-BT-]

Originally Posted by hoovesupsideyourhead

now jamie
theriot will get even less crumbs..

if The Riot gets bred crumbs then Elvis Trujillo might just be an exercise rider up there for 2 months

-bt-

[Stall Mucker]

There's a rumor floating that Richard will be analyst on the NYOTB show from Saratoga. Just a rumor.....

[docicu3]

Originally Posted by Stall Mucker

There's a rumor floating that Richard will be analyst on the NYOTB show from Saratoga. Just a rumor.....

what's the source of that one?? Has he ever done TV before in that capacity?

[10 pnt move up]

Originally Posted by ELA

You are right, to many it is somewhat of a "mystery" so to speak. There are plenty of people who feel like you do. But there is a unique dynamic that exists in this game, specifically, in that side of the game. It's not always owners though. I won't get into all the details, but I don't always make the decision as to who rides. OTOH, I haven't owned any top stakes winning horses. But I know plenty of people who have and do. There is a lot that goes into that whole process, most of which might not count for squat, LOL.

Regardless, with trainers, they use certain kind of jocks on certain kind of horses, and with top horses, they must make every call count. It could be their last, LOL. They have preconceived notions, prejudices, etc. just like everyone.

Doesn't matter -- Richie is a guy who should get more quality mounts. It isn't for a lack of passion, desire, ability or work ethic. And, the guy is truly a student of the game.

Eric

I dont know many owners who request they use a rider who are told no, maybe they cant guy they want but I hardly hear trainers just saying no.

[Handicappy]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

Come on, man, that's pretty weak.

That is weak. He is a family guy and the prospect of having a few owners who will run him is enough to bring him back. I'm not sure what I think about him but I think he is sincere.

[parsixfarms]

Originally Posted by docicu3

what's the source of that one?? Has he ever done TV before in that capacity?

He did the show the summer of 2006, if I remember correctly.

[ELA]

Originally Posted by 10 pnt move up

I dont know many owners who request they use a rider who are told no, maybe they cant guy they want but I hardly hear trainers just saying no.

First, I have no idea what you are saying -- your statement is not at all what I said. Second, do you make the decison which jock will be offered the ride for every horse you own and for every race (regardless of whether or not your choice is open)?

Eric

[10 pnt move up]

Yes I make the decision, though I dont own many horses, and the rider I would use would almost never say no, unless there was some super star he was on that had to ride.

[ELA]

Originally Posted by 10 pnt move up

Yes I make the decision, though I dont own many horses, and the rider I would use would almost never say no, unless there was some super star he was on that had to ride.

Great. And, as to my first question, again, your comment has nothing to do with my post. I didn't say anything even remotely resembling "an owner being told no" -- however, I can certainly see how you would misunderstand that given that you make the decision.

So the end result on your decision is that you call the shot and that's that. To a certain extent, that's kind of my point. A jock is relying on you to give him a call.

Eric

[10 pnt move up]

Originally Posted by Handicappy

That is weak. He is a family guy and the prospect of having a few owners who will run him is enough to bring him back. I'm not sure what I think about him but I think he is sincere.

maybe as simple as he went west to strike gold only to come up with silver and thats no reason to stay 3k miles away from your family.

[Linny]

Originally Posted by docicu3

what's the source of that one?? Has he ever done TV before in that capacity?

If SM says it, it's credible. He's done some guest spots on the NYC OTB show from the Spa in the past.

I think very highly of Mig and hope he gets some live horses. He's very popular around these parts.

[Handicappy]

Originally Posted by Linny

If SM says it, it's credible. He's done some guest spots on the NYC OTB show from the Spa in the past.

I think very highly of Mig and hope he gets some live horses. He's very popular around these parts.

He is popular but when he got injured it seemed to effect him when he returned. I saw him bail out more often than not when he was in close quarters on the rail. Not sure I wouldn't have done the same but the injuries did seem to effect him. He does care about the horses and if he is successful, he'll get alot of mounts. But the colony is awfully tough. Even without Go Go.

[Strategic Mission]

Nice guy but this sport isn't about nice guys. He is winning at a 10% clip. He is pushing 45 years old. Why would anyone put him on their horse if there are decent riders available. Sure he could get some decent mounts, but the guy needs to start thinking about doing something else with his life.

Hate to see guys like Samyn hanging around winning at a 7% clip, but if these guys like it that much I guess there is no reason they can't keep riding. I just hope they aren't doing it because they need the money.