Simply the Best: Jockey G. R. Carter
Quarter Horse jockey G. R. Carter, Jr. has been on top of his game for close to three decades. He has ridden over 24,000 horses in his illustrious career, is the sport's all-time rider by wins, and at age 47, still the top choice for the nation's top trainers.
The 2015 Labor Day weekend will be significant for the iconic rider for more than one reason. He will ride the probable favorites in both signature races at Ruidoso Downs, the $2.3 million All American Derby (G1) and the $3 million All American Futurity (G1). Those are two reasons, but the third is that this may be his last time riding in the most prestigious Quarter Horse championships. After an amazing career, spanning close to three decades, Carter has said that this year will be his last in the saddle.
The 2015 Labor Day weekend will be significant for the iconic rider for more than one reason. He will ride the probable favorites in both signature races at Ruidoso Downs, the $2.3 million All American Derby (G1) and the $3 million All American Futurity (G1). Those are two reasons, but the third is that this may be his last time riding in the most prestigious Quarter Horse championships. After an amazing career, spanning close to three decades, Carter has said that this year will be his last in the saddle.
He is the leading Quarter Horse jockey through the first nine months of 2015, riding now at Ruidoso Downs after winning his 18th leading rider title at Remington Park in Oklahoma City in May. Inducted into the Ruidoso Downs Hall of Fame, he is poised to claim the Quarter Horse race that every owner, breeder, trainer and jockey wants to win: the $3 million All American Futurity. His mount is First Valiant Sign, the 2-1 morning-line favorite in the richest race in Quarter Horse history. Carter won the All American Futurity twice in his career: in 1998 with Falling in Loveagain and aboard Stolis Winner in 2008.On Sunday, September 6, he will guide AQHA 2-year-old champion Kiss My Hocks in the $2.3 million All American Derby. He has just one previous win in that championship: Dashing Perfection in 1997.
The Oklahoma native excelled at gymnastics as a child and has impressed horsemen and racing fans across the country with his signature back flip dismount after winning major championships. Hopefully, he will have an opportunity to thrill us two more times over Labor Day weekend at Ruidoso Downs.
Win or lose in the 2015 All American Derby and Futurity, G.R. Carter will forever remain one of the greatest riders in Quarter Horse racing!
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