SANTA ANITA FOUNDER, "LUCKY" BALDWIN, JOCKEY AHMED AJTEBI AMONG FEATURES ON HRTV'S "INSIDE INFORMATION" THIS SUNDAY, JAN. 31
Arcadia, CA, Jan. 28 -- The immeasurable contributions of "Lucky" Baldwin, the maturation of a Middle Eastern
jockey, and a unique, but successful, training regimen, are the featured segments slated for the next installment of HRTV's (R) "Inside Information," which airs this Sunday, January 31, at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
The show is hosted by HRTV's Jon White.
Although Southern California is now an established bastion for Thoroughbred racing, things might have been a bit different without the unrelenting passion of one man: Elias Jackson "Lucky" Baldwin. In the late 1880s, Baldwin owned most of Arcadia, CA and his affection for equines led him to open a racetrack -- Santa Anita Park.
But, what made Baldwin unique went beyond one of America's greatest racing venues. An eccentric, self-made millionaire remains an enigma.
"He hated the nickname 'Lucky,' actually," said Sandy Snider, history curator emeritus, Los Angeles Arboretum. "He said, 'There's nothing lucky about it, I'm a good businessman.'"
Ahmed Ajtebi made history in the 2009 Breeders' Cup Juvenile, becoming the first Middle Eastern jockey to win a Breeders' Cup race. And while he may check that considerable accomplishment off his list, he is still a relatively young jockey, just removed from his apprentice season. After the Breeders' Cup, Ajtebi decided to stay in Southern California for Santa Anita's winter meet, soaking up knowledge from some of the world's best jockeys and trainers.
Most horses call the racetrack home. However, Santa Anita-based trainer Anthony Saavedra has found success
taking his 10-year-old gelding, Shadow of Illinois, to the suburbs and turning him out in his front yard between races.
The winner of the Grade 3 San Simeon Handicap rests between 7-10 days between races. The very unusual regimen has worked wonders.
On the shelf after a bowed tendon in 2006, the gallant gelding found his stride again in 2009 (at age nine), capturing a win at every major meet in Southern California.
About HRTV
HRTV (www.hrtv.com) is a 24-hour, television-based multimedia network dedicated to the "Sport of Kings," horseracing, featuring live racing action from many of the sport's greatest racetracks. Passionate horse fans are also entertained and informed by HRTV's award-winning documentaries, original programming, in-depth analysis and equestrian lifestyle programming. The live stream of HRTV is available on a subscription basis to high speed internet users worldwide. The HRTV television network is presently available via cable, telco video and satellite in over 18 million US homes.
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Contact: Scott Cooper, HRTV, 609-391-8166
