…from Chapter 34: Belonging

Excerpt from my book, Racing With My Shadow

My relationship with the jockeys was growing as well. The New York riders were accepting me as one of them. One day Angel Cordero and I were getting on the scale before a race.

He looked at me with concern. “It’s not fair that you have to spend the day all alone in that room (the girl jocks’ room). You should be able to come in our rec room where we play ping pong, cards, and pool.”

“I don’t mind, Angel. Really. I like it back there. I like being alone.” I got on the scale and the valet handed me my saddle. After the clerk of scales nodded, I handed the saddle back and stepped off the scale. “Really, Angel. All I care about it getting to ride. I’m fine.”

But he insisted. “Listen, baby, why can’t you come in with us? Eat at the counter and play ping pong.”

“That’s okay, Angel. I don’t want to put anyone out. I’m fine, really.”

“I’m going to talk to the guys. We’ll have a vote. I’m sure it will be fine with them.” Angel winked as he took his whip from the valet and we headed out to ride the next race.

There was no stopping Angel when he set his mind to doing something. He was very much a leader with the other jockeys.

The next day he approached me. “Karoleena, I have some good news. We took a vote and the majority voted you can come in the rec room. Isn’t that good?” he smiled.

I wasn’t sure. “Thanks, Angel.”

Even though I had permission to join the other jockeys, I was reluctant to invade their space.

Angel approached me a few days later. “Karoleena, why aren’t you coming in with us between races? You’re allowed in.” He looked concerned.

“I don’t want the other riders mad at me.”

Angel laughed. “Come on, baby. Nobody would be mad at you. We voted, remember?”

With encouragement from Angel, I started spending time between races in the jocks’ room. My afternoons were really fun. They were the best times I ever had.

Angel Cordero, Jr, me, and Jerry Bailey in the Jocks’ Room

I played backgammon with Jacinto Vasquez, bumper pool with Angel, and ping pong with Jerry Bailey. I belonged. I wasn’t alone anymore.

I looked forward to my afternoons, as much now for the company as for riding races. Some days I rode seven or eight races, but I preferred to ride less and spend more time in the jocks’ room!

Initiating apprentice jockey John Santagata

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