Page 6 - Spirit Of Oaklawn 2017

6TT • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2017
Tri-Lakes Edition of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Advertising Supplement
STOP BY OUR STOP BY OUR
Q&A
WITH KATIE CLAWSON APPRENTICE JOCKEY,
OAKLAWN RACING & GAMING, HOT SPRINGS
LOT OR SEE US AT THE SHOW! LOT OR SEE US AT THE SHOW!
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By Sarah DeClerk
SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER
Oaklawn not only showcases some of horse racing’s most renowned jockeys, but also
provides a place where newcomers can hone their skills. Apprentice jockey Katie Clawson, 20, rode her first winner June 17 at Churchill Downs, and she chose to apprentice at Oaklawn after working at the track as an exercise rider during the 2016 meeting. During this leg of her apprenticeship, she hopes to rack up enough wins to be in the running for an Eclipse Award.
Q: How did it feel to ride your first win- ner last year?
A: It felt very surreal to win my first race and to have it come at historic Churchill Downs with so many of my friends there for support.
Q:Why did you decide to apprentice at Oaklawn?
A: I love the town from working here last year, the racing is high-quality with excellent purse structure, I knew a good portion of the trainers and assistants from Kentucky or galloping here the previous year, and it had been on my radar in the fall when I was deciding upon places I might like to spend this winter riding.
Q:What are some challenges you have faced during your apprenticeship?
A: Some challenges I have faced are the basic learning curve of being a new jockey.
Factory Reps On Hand
Special Show Financing W.A.C.
PHOTO COURTESY OF OAKLAWN/COADY PHOTOGRAPHY
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Katie Clawson
There’s no way to prepare for it fully until you’ve done it and ridden a race, but to also keep riding many races.This was a struggle for me, not getting a consistent number of mounts when I started out to help me with the learning process.
Q: How do you prepare for a race?
A: I prepare for my races by reading the form and looking at my races from several different per- spectives with a few scenarios in mind to find my best chance of winning. Also, lots of warming up and stretching to be physically prepared.
Q:What do you enjoy most about Oak- lawn?
A: I very much enjoy the fans and how excited they are about all aspects of a day at the races.Along with that, people are so friendly, and racing here garners a lot of attention from the whole industry.
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