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Gary Stevens Retires; To Join TVG as Analyst
by Lenny Shulman
Date Posted: 11/25/2005 10:22:18 AM
Last Updated: 11/26/2005 5:40:17 PM


Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens, announcing his retirement on
Friday, Nov. 25.
Photo: AP Photo/Patti Longmire
Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens announced his retirement from
riding Friday, but will not be leaving the sport. In a Churchill Downs press
conference, Stevens said he would be joining the Television Games Network (TVG)
as a racing analyst. Stevens will ride his last two races Saturday, when he has
mounts on Sabatini in the Golden Rod Stakes and Louvre Royale in the 12th and
final race on the Churchill card.
"Over the years it's been a wonderful career, but it's time to hang
it up," Stevens noted. "I've thought about it at great length. I'm happy I can
walk away in one piece. There are several reasons to do this now. Certainly the
opportunities to work in television; making weight has been hard for the past
four or five years; and my knees, although not the main issue, are a factor."

The 42-year-old native of Idaho recently captured his 5,000th
victory despite riding the past several years with chronic knee problems which
caused him to announce his retirement in 1999. After brief stints as an
assistant trainer and jockey agent, Stevens felt his knees had heeled
sufficiently to begin riding again. He shifted his tack from California to
Churchill Down earlier this year.

Stevens said his biggest moment in the saddle was winning his first
Kentucky Derby (gr. I) with Winning Colors. "Passing those twin spires, that was
it," Stevens said, choking back emotion. He mentioned Rock Hard Ten, Point
Given, Thunder Gulch, Silver Charm, Serena's Song, Silverbulletday, and Winning
Colors as the best horses he's been on.

"The only thing that would have kept me going next year would have
been Rock Hard Ten," Stevens said. "But when (owner) Ernie Moody called me last
week and said the horse was being retired, I knew that was it for me."

Stevens is one of the most articulate riders in the history of the
sport, which will serve him well when he begins at TVG in January with what he
said was a mulit-year contract. "This is exciting because I'll be able to attend
the biggest events in racing," Stevens said. He portrayed jockey George Woolf in
the popular 2003 film "Seabiscuit," and garnered excellent reviews for his
acting.

Stevens won the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) three times in his career,
aboard Winning Colors, Thunder Gulch, and Silver Charm. He added two Preakness
Stakes (gr. I) victories, three Belmont Stakes (gr. I), eight Breeders' Cup
wins, and a record nine runnings of grade I Santa Anita Derbys. His mounts over
a 26-year career earned more than $221 million. Stevens was inducted into the
Hall of Fame in 1997.

"I couldn't be more excited about joining TVG," Stevens said. "I'm
not retiring from racing, just from riding, and I look forward to giving TVG
viewers an insider's look at what takes place on the racetrack." Stevens hinted
that he might also be working for a "major network" in the future, but did not
elaborate.

Stevens said his experience from 1999, when he battled depression
after retiring, would help him this time around. "I didn't know what I was going
to pursue then, so this is a better situation."

Stevens said he'd like to be remembered for his competitive spirit,
and for being a consistent, patient, and prepared rider.

"We are excited to have Gary join TVG's roster," said TVG general
manager David Nathanson. "As he proved in 'Seabiscuit,' he's comfortable in frnt
of the camera and we're looking forward to the insight and expertise he can
offer our viewers."





Vikki Burnham

Louis Arthur Partnership

http://www.LouisArthur.com

"To know a Thoroughbred is to be lifted up to a place of unparalleled passion,
exhilaration and transcendence. Look into the eyes of a Thoroughbred and feel
his supreme power and spirit, and you'll be lifted up to a special place of
beauty, passion, possibility and freedom." - Unknown


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