Whether it was during his riding days, years galloping, or current times as a groom, Jorge Pizarro has never been one to play favourites with horses. As a multiple stakes winning jockey, Pizarro, a native of Mendoza, a city in Argentina’s Cuyo region and the heart of Argentina’s wine country, was afforded the opportunity to ride quality Thoroughbreds in over 5,503 starts. But for the man who launched his life in the saddle in 1980 and closed that chapter in 1998, choosing one, two – or even a handful – of horses who stood out above all others is an impossible task. “I loved each and every horse I rode,” said Pizarro, a lifetime winner of 651 races, who was a familiar face at Woodbine and Fort Erie throughout his career. “It never mattered to me if the horse was a stakes type, allowance, or claiming. I just enjoyed every chance I had to be out on the racetrack and trying my best to win.” The biggest thrill for Pizarro was when he delivered a victory to those he rode for. “I loved seeing how happy the trainer and owners were when you brought the horse back to the winner’s circle. You could see how much it meant to everyone connected to the horse. I always remember the smiles.” After his final leg up some 27 years ago, Pizarro had no intention of walking away from the racetrack. He found work galloping horses for various trainers on the Woodbine backstretch, a role that he relished from the very first day. “The one thing I wanted to do after race-riding was to continue to be around the horses, so I started galloping. And I loved it. You still have to be prepared, be ready and know the horse well. It is a very important job and I took it very seriously. I have a lot of respect for the men and women who gallop.” Pizarro eventually moved on to another profession he had great admiration for. “When I got older and my body took more time to recover, I didn’t feel it was right for the horses or the trainer to continue galloping. But I knew I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the horses.” Becoming a groom was, in many ways, a perfect fit for Pizarro, whose son Tyler, now retired from riding, won the 2007 Sovereign Award as Canada’s champion apprentice, and daughter Kayla, who now gallops for Hall of Fame conditioner Josie Carroll, won in the same category in 2016. After working for various outfits at Woodbine, he joined the barn of trainer Marty Drexler three years ago. “I love it,” said Pizarro. “It gives me so much happiness to care for the horses, to see them happy and healthy. That’s what give so much joy.” Jorge Pizarro (Michael Burns Photo) He readily admits to spoiling the six horses currently under his care. “I bring them carrots every morning. I cut up the carrots and then spend time feeding each one. I like those moments where you can just be one-on-one with them – patting them, brushing them – it makes me happy. I do talk to them, but I haven’t had one ever say anything back to me yet.” Pizarro prefers to let his horses do their talking on the racetrack. Win or lose, he’s proud of each one. “I like seeing them win – and I think they do know they have won – but the most important thing is making sure they are loved and cared for. They are beautiful animals, and I feel blessed that I get to work with them.” He felt that same way growing up in Argentina. “I was drawn to horses early on in my life. I worked as a groom and galloping for trainers back home when I was a teenager. I knew that horses would always be a big part of my life.” Pizarro is glad they still are. “I love coming into work every day and seeing the horses. I enjoy being around them and spending as much time as I can with them. They always make me smile – every single one.” Just don’t ask him to pick out a favourite. “I never could. They are all special to me.” Chris Lomon, Woodbine Share This:Share
