His Southern California enterprise slumping, jockey Drayden Van Dyke relocated South Florida this summer time, hopeful that teaming with profitable Florida coach Saffie Joseph Jr. would rejuvenate his using profession.
It did, plus it introduced him again to California, the place Nov. 2, he was warmly greeted by followers looking for autographs and photographs as he walked to a post-race press convention after using the Joseph-trained Soul of an Angel to a late-rallying upset victory within the PNC Financial institution Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Dash.
“That is my favourite racetrack to be at,” he mentioned of Del Mar. “It’s particular to me. I received two using titles right here. I received seven in someday right here, so this place is particular to me.
“To get a Breeders’ Cup right here is icing on the cake.”
Joseph credited his house owners — C2 Racing Steady, Agave Racing Steady, and Ken Reimer — for having the religion to journey Van Dyke within the Breeders’ Cup.
“They have been adequate to depart Drayden on the horse. He received the Princess Rooney,” Joseph mentioned of Gulfstream Park’s prep for the Filly & Mare Dash. “It was at all times set in stone we wished to maintain him on. We simply wished to weigh all our choices.
“Have a look at Drayden. I reached out him earlier this yr to return over to Gulfstream. We wanted a rider. He mentioned he wasn’t doing properly. Come and provides us a strive.”
Van Dyke, who throughout the most effective interval of his profession was one in all Corridor of Fame coach Bob Baffert’s most utilized jockeys, took a break final fall to take care of psychological well being struggles. He resumed using early this yr.
“I’ve discovered lots. It’s how this recreation is. You’re not at all times on prime. Uncommon few guys keep on prime,” he mentioned. “There’s loads of ups and downs. You bought to get out of ’em. You at all times want assist from some individuals. You bought to be given alternatives. I’m tremendous grateful for what Saffie has executed for me.”
The 30-year-old Van Dyke is aware of full properly how psychological well being can influence an individual and a household. His father, Seth, who labored within the racing trade as a jockey, train rider, and valet, battled melancholy, and died of an obvious suicide in Florida in August 2014.
“However the time I took off, I simply personally felt I wanted it. I’ve been going nonstop since I used to be 18. I misplaced my father at [19]. I simply saved going, saved going, saved going,” he continued. “I by no means took time to essentially mourn and course of every little thing. I took the time without work for myself, you understand?”
Break day that paid off, leading to his second Breeder’s Cup win after first guiding Stormy Liberal to victory within the 2018 Breeder’s Cup Turf Dash.
Editor’s Word: Entry to suicide prevention companies and assist can be found to these experiencing psychological well being struggles and emotional misery. One choice is the Nationwide Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
