Jockeys, Valets Enroll in Free English Classes

Jockeys, Valets Enroll in Free English Classes

HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – Moments after riding Golden Tempo to victory in this year’s Kentucky Derby (G1), jockey Jose Ortiz was asked what he would tell young Puerto Ricans dreaming of being a jockey.

Ortiz started his answer with; “Just to have a good attitude, try to learn English.”

Ortiz’s advice has taken root at Gulfstream Park where nearly a dozen jockeys and some valets are taking advantage of free English classes every Wednesday morning in the jockey’s room.

Jockeys Leonel Reyes, Miguel Vasquez, Jose Morales, Yolber Torres, apprentice Pedro Pena and two valets along with others are currently attending the free classes hosted by Gulfstream.

“It’s been good and classes have been the best,” Vasquez said.

“You get more confidence,” Reyes said. “Talking to trainers is much better now.”

Allyson Pinhas, who has taught English for nearly 25 years, is working with the riders and valets. Along with teaching English, Pinhas also runs the Hearts & Hooves Foundation, which focuses in part on an equine-assisted literacy program for struggling readers of all ages and miniature horse experiences at nursing homes and foster care facilities.

“It’s been a wonderful experience, and Gulfstream and the jockeys and staff have been great to work with,” Pinhas said.

Gulfstream steward Stephen DiMauro, a multiple graded stakes-winning trainer who won more than 1,000 races, says he sees the difference the classes have made.

“When we have movies we have seen the improvement in the way the jockeys have been able to answer questions in English,” he said. “Some of them were embarrassed to speak before taking the classes, but now they are much more involved in the conversation without relying on an interpreter.”

Gulfstream, which pays for the courses, is “just helping the younger riders develop better skills for their jobs,” said David Duggan, executive vice president of 1/ST Racing.