The large majority of people can only dream of what it is like to be up in the irons above a thoroughbred as it thunders home through the stretch. In the case of a handful of seasoned jockeys, they will be given the chance to see what it is like to steer a sharp standardbred down the lane.
In an exhibition race this Sunday (August 4) at Alberta Downs, some well-known jockeys on the Alberta thoroughbred scene will get the chance to be in the driver's seat.
While out for a practice run last weekend in Lacombe, jockeys Jorge 'The Specialist' Espitia, Ismael 'The Mosquito' Mosqueira, Mario 'Mario V' Velazquez and Danielle DiBert got comfortable going behind the gate. The jocks trained a mile with standardbreds Hollywood Lenny, Outlaw Like A Lady and Willie Go Mjjz.
The exhibition race will go behind the mobile starting gate during the standardbred portion of Alberta Downs' program on Sunday.
One of Alberta Downs' biggest race days of the year, the Sunday program will feature both harness racing on the main track and thoroughbred racing on turf.
First-race post time for Alberta Downs' Sunday card is 1:15 p.m.
(With files from Alberta Downs)