NEWS
Derek uses award to recognize Migliore
Posted: Wednesday, August 11, 2010 11:43 AM
RICHARD MIGLIORE
Benoit & Associates photo
by Teresa Genaro
Richard Migliore was in second place aboard Honest Wildcat during a race on January 23 at Aqueduct when the four-year-old broke down in the stretch, throwing the veteran jockey. It was a spill that would eventually end Migliore’s riding career.
Stunned and groggy from the fall, Migliore nevertheless had the presence of mind to look after his mount.
“When I came to, I saw that Honest Wildcat was trying to get up, and I could see that he was badly hurt,” Migliore said. “I knew he’d try to get up and run down the track.”
Crawling to Honest Wildcat, Migliore cradled the horse’s head in his arms.
“I knew he couldn’t stand if he couldn’t get his head up, so I made sure to keep it down,” he said.
Migliore’s humane act was reported locally, and 3,000 miles away, Bo Derek took note.
Derek serves on the California Horse Racing Board and campaigns against horse slaughter. Equine Advocates honored her with the organization’s Safe Home Equine Protection Award at its July 29 dinner in Saratoga Springs. Equine Advocates is a national non-profit equine protection organization based in Chatham, New York.
In agreeing to accept the award, Derek asked that Equine Advocates also honor a jockey, and she chose Migliore as the first recipient of a special commendation.
“Riders should get more credit and encouragement for doing the right thing with horses,” Derek said. “I know that their actions have saved horses. They’re on the horses every day, and they can feel when a horse isn’t right.
“Jockeys deserve to be recognized for taking care of the horses.”
Susan Wagner, president and founder of Equine Advocates, was immediately receptive.
“Richard Migliore is a kind, compassionate guy,” she said. “He’s in a class by himself, and it’s a shame that his wonderful career was cut short.”
Migliore was recognized for his “long and illustrious career as a jockey” and for his “concern and attention to the safety and humane treatment of the horses” he rode.
In his typical modest fashion, Migliore downplayed his actions.
“It was instinct,” he said months after the incident. “I didn’t do anything special.”
Derek disagrees.
“What he did was courageous,” she said.
Wagner and Derek are committed to honoring jockeys who demonstrate care for the welfare of the horse, and are considering making this commendation annually.
“Honoring Migliore was a great addition to our event,” Wagner said.
Migliore retired this year when unable to return from his injuries. He won 4,450 races from 30,111 mounts who earned $160,205,725 in purses. His 178 graded stakes victories include 25 Grade 1 wins.
Teresa Genaro is a Brooklyn-based correspondent of Thoroughbred Times
READER COMMENTS
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Posted by: john, malverne, ny, NY on August 14, 2010 at 01:24 PM
mig is, and aklways was a class actwho always tried to do the right thing by the horse.
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Posted by: LindaVA, Glen Allen, VA on August 12, 2010 at 10:07 PM
Very nice reporting on a deserving guy!
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Posted by: Jim F, albany, NY on August 12, 2010 at 09:38 PM
Ditto on all the Richie comments. I wonder why NYRA hasn't honored him for his long and dedicated career on the NYRA circut. Richie has always been a fan favorite at Saratoga and it would be ideal to see him get his day there!
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Posted by: Ed, Revere, MA on August 12, 2010 at 03:47 PM
Richard Migliore was a very positive force and class act his entire career. A very nice tribute by Bo.
Ed
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Posted by: Denise, Monkton, MD on August 12, 2010 at 02:38 PM
What a great story. Richard Migliore is a class act. I wish him well in his future endeavors.
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