With just under a week since Teshawn Hazelwood won his first race at Gulfstream Park, you probably are thinking that it would have been a big deal for the jock. Coincidentally, it was also his first winning ride on US soil. Well, hell yeah! It was a big deal but the jockey said that he had no time to celebrate, he just simply focused on his next race which was a stake race on Sunday July 7th in the Soldier's Dancer stakes on Bluebirds Over.
"This is a great accomplishment and the first thing I did after the race was to thank father God for seeing me to the finish line first." Words from Teshawn Hazelwood.
Look at Hazelwood's stats, they are pretty good.
7 starts, 1 first, 2 seconds , 1 third.
Hazelwood had a live mount aboard beastly Speed trained by Saffie Joseph jr, on Friday July 5th in the 6th race at Gulfstream park. After turning for home and coming down the stretch, Hazelwood said to himself "I got this one" and he sure did, nipping stable mate Crypto Man ridden by Drayden Van Dyke at the wire by a nose. "Trainer asked me if I knew that I had won and I said yes" words from Hazelwood.
"Not every jockey from our small island of Barbados can say that they won one on US soil and when these opportunities are given we have to make use of them."
Hazelwood isn't a stranger to the winner's circle but previously had done all his winning at the Garrison Savannah in Barbados and did it in fine style, his record speaks for itself. I had a lengthy conversation with Teshawn Hazelwood and the jock was still pretty pumped but very realistic about his opportunities and what he is up against in the US.
"we have many jockeys here in the USA and I have no doubts in my ability as a jockey, I am just following the process".
Hazelwood also showed compassion for fellow Barbadian jockey Elijah Greenridge who suffered and injury after clipping heels in the sixth race on July 6th while riding the 7 horse, American Pure at Gulfstream Park. Greenidge had a great start at Gulfstream Park after moving away from the New York scene and giving Gulfstream a try earlier this year.
"right now I am checking for Elijah while he is in the hospital and making sure he gets what he need"
Hazelwood explained that when he isn't galloping horses that he is usually training on the equicizer with Elijah Greenidge in the training room so he has to make sure that Elijah is good while recovering from his injury.
I asked him if he is excited for the future and he answered with a big "of course". Looking back at Teshawn Hazelwood record in North America after our conversation I would say the future looks bright!
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