JOCKEY’S NAMES

Like myself, I am sure many of you have speculated on the origins and backgrounds of the Jockeys available to you, under the “Jockey Pal” tab. I am not refering to the jockeys named after players, but the jockeys named arbitrarily by Mike to fill out track rosters’. Jockeys named like “S. EX”. Which is self-explanatory to most of us. This will be a fun look at the names and not necessarily definitive. You will see/find there are some definite themes, throughout the “Sim”. Themes like “Musicians/sports figures/ect”.
Below you will find each jockeys’ name, their home track, riding percentages, and my interpretation/or background of the names. Like stated above, this is just my take on things and may not be what Mike was thinking at conception.

JOCKEY:
1.) O. Osbourne
Home Track: Utah
Riding Percentages: 29.9%/63%
This one appears to be a give me: Ozzy Osbourne
Origin: John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne (born 3 December 1948) is an English heavy metal vocalist and songwriter, whose musical career has spanned over 40 years. Osbourne rose to prominence as lead singer of the pioneering English band “Black Sabbath”, whose dark and hard sound helped spawn the heavy metal genre. Due to Sabbath’s dark style, Osbourne became known as the “Prince of Darkness”. Osbourne is also known as the “Godfather of Heavy Metal”
*A perennial standout selection @ the Utah track. If you are lucky enough to draw this rider, chances are you are one of the favorites.

2.) F Mac
Home Track: Missouri
Riding Percentages: 27.4%/65.5%
This one is a shot in the dark: Freddie Mac
Origin: The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC), known as Freddie Mac. The FHLMC was created in 1970 to expand the secondary market for mortgages in the US. Along with other GSEs, Freddie Mac buys mortgages on the secondary market, pools them, and sells them as a mortgage-back security to investors on the open-market.
*The high-flying F Mac is the Jockey everyone hopes to draw when running @ Missouri.

3.) J Van Dam
Home Track: Belgium
Riding Percentages: 16.7%/47.6%
This is another that seems pretty straight forward: Jean-Claude Van Damme
Origin: Jean-Claude Camille François Van Varenberg (born 18 October 1960), professionally known as Jean-Claude Van Damme,is a Belgium Martial Artist, Actor and director. After studying martial arts intensively from the age of ten, Van Damme achieved national success in Belgium as a martial artist and bodybuilder, earning the “Mr. Belgium” bodybuilding title. He emigrated to the United States in 1982 to pursue a career in film, and achieved success as an Action Movie Star.
*While not the Leading Rider at his home track. He is a consistant sort and a safe selection to get your nag home on top.

4.) H Artack
Home Track: North Korea
Riding Percentages: 33.7%/73.8%
For those familar with the history of Horse Racing, this should be easy: Bill Hartack
Origin: Born, William John Hartack Jr. (December 9, 1932 – November 26, 2007) a Hall of Fame Jockey. He was born in Ebensburg, Pennsylvannia. Referred to by the media as both “Bill” and “Willie” (actually Hartack detested being called “Willie” because of his dislike for fellow jockey Willie Shoemaker) during his racing career. During his riding career between 1953 and 1974 in the United States, Hartack rode 4,272 winners in 21,535 mounts. From 1978 to 1980 he raced in Hong Kong, then retired in 1981. After he retired as a jockey, Hartack worked off-and-on for the rest of his life as a steward for many racetracks.
*Not only a standout @ North Korea. Arguably one of the best in the game.

5.) H Gajan
Home Track: Colorado
Riding Percentages: 13.2%/27.5%
This one is pretty obscure: Howard “Hokie” Gajan
Origin: Howard Lee “Hokie” Gajan (born September 6, 1959 in Baker, Louisiana) is a former American football running back who played five seasons in the National Football League. He is third all time in yards per carry in a season for a primary running back (one with at least 100 carries in a season) in NFL history, according to ESPN Stats & Information. He currently works as the color commentator, on Saints radio broadcasts.
*Far down in the Colorado track standings. His riding statistics, are up slightly for the year(in comparison w/his lifetime stats.

6.) G Rivers
Home Track: Washington
Riding Percentages: 17.2%/40.6%
For those Basketball fans out there, this one’s easy: Glen “Doc” Rivers
Origin: Glenn Anton “Doc” Rivers (born October 13, 1961) is a former professional basketball player and the current head coach of the NBA’s Boston Celtics.
*An above average choice @ Washington.

7.) S Flint
Home Track: Nevada
Riding Percentages: 9.8%/26.2%
This is just a guess: Skin Flint
Origin: One who is very reluctant to spend money; a miser
*A run of the mill Jockey. Both Year-to- Date & Lifetime.

8.) K Orn
Home Track: Maine
Riding Percentages: 12.9%/47.7%
Obivious to the Generation-X crowd: Korn
Origin: Korn is an American rock band from Bakersfield, California, formed in 1993. The current band line up includes four members: Jonathan Davis, James “Munky” Shaffer, Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu and Ray Luzier.
Record Labels: EMI, Roadrunner Records, Epic Records,
Awards: Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video, Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance
Can you figure out what kind of music, Mike listens to? There is a pattern here.
*Grabbing this above average rider, will certainly not hurt your chances.

9.) I Thomas
Home Track: Connecticut
Riding Percentages: 25.1%/63.4%
Another for you Basketball fans: Isaiah Thomas
Origin: Isiah Lord Thomas III ( born April 30, 1961), nicknamed “Zeke”, is a retired American basketball player who played collegiately for the Indiana Hoosiers. He went on to play professionally as point guard for the Detroit Pistons and is one of the 50 Greatest Players in the NBA.
*Consistantly a top contender wherever he rides.

10.) R Pollard
Home Track: Alabama
Riding Percentages: 20.1%/57.2%
Another one for you Horse Racing Historians: Red Pollard
Origin: John “Red” M. Pollard was a Canadian thoroughbred horse racing jockey. A founding member of the Jockeys’ Guild in 1940, Pollard rode at racetracks in the United States and is best known for riding Seabiscuit.
*An excellent choice, when running @ Alabama

11.) J Johnson
Home Track: Minnesota
Riding Percentages: 8.1%/27.6%
Here is one for you Car Racing enthusiasts: Junior Johnson
Origin: Robert Glenn Johnson, Jr., better known as Junior Johnson, is one of the early superstars of NASCAR in the 1950s and 1960s. He won 50 NASCAR races in his career before retiring in 1966. One of the original Moonshine Runners, to help jumpstart NASCAR.
*I believe this one has retired.

12.) J Dawg
Home Track: Wyoming
Riding Percentages: 20.3%/56.4%
Wrestling Fans, here is your rider: J-Dawg
Origin: J-Dawg is the ringname of Jeff Brooks (born 1982), an American professional wrestler who competes in Southeastern independent promotions including IWA.
*The one you want to ride @ Wyoming.

13.) M Isdell
Home Track: Tennessee
Riding Percentages: 15.8%/44%
Fictional Pin-up Girl: Miss Dell Computer
Origin: Dell Inc. is an American multinational computer technology corporation based in 1 Dell Way, Round Rock, Texas, United States, that develops, sells and supports computers and related products and services. Bearing the name of its founder, Michael Dell, the company is one of the largest technological corporations in the world, employing more than 103,300 people worldwide. It is the second largest non-oil company in Texas – behind AT & T.
*Second Leading Rider @ Tennessee. A solid selection.

14.) Ro Lott
Home Track: Tennessee
Riding Percentages: 10.4%/33%
Football Player: Ronnie Lott
Origin: Ronald Mandel “Ronnie” Lott is a former American college(USC) and professional football player(49ers)who was a cornerback, free safety, and strong safety in the National Football League for fifteen seasons during the 1980s and 1990s
*4th Leading Rider, with very average statistics.

15.) P Garrett
Home Track: Denmark
Riding Percentages: 9.3%/30%
American “Old” West Lawman: Pat Garrett
Origin: Patrick Floyd “Pat” Garrett was an American Old West lawman, bartender, and customs agent who was best known for killing Billy the Kid. He was also the sheriff of Lincoln County, New Mexico as well as Doña Ana County, New Mexico. Sheriff Pat Garrett, Billy the Kid’s Killer, lost his re-election as Sheriff, lost a bid for Senate and lost his life in a land dispute. (Born: June 5th, 1850 Died: February 29th, 1908)
*Low Percentage Rider.

16.) F Allen
Home Track: California
Riding Percentages: 9.4%/29%
Comedian/Radio Personality: Fred Allen
Origin: Fred Allen (born: John Florence Sullivan, May 31, 1894 died: March 17, 1956). Was an American comedian whose absurdist, topically pointed radio show made him one of the most popular and forward-looking humorists in the so-called classic era of American radio.
*Nearly, bottom of the standings.

17.) K Keyser
Home Track: California
Riding Percentages: 7.1%/29%
Popular Bandleader/Radio Personality/Actor: “Kay” Keyser
Origin: James Kern Kyser was a popular bandleader and radio personality of the 1930s and 1940s. Known as the: Professor of Swing. (born: June 18th, 1905- died: July 23, 1985)
Movies appeared in: That’s Right You’re Wrong, Swing Fever, and My Favorite Spy.
Albums: Best of Big Bands, Kay Keyser Music Maestro Please, Best of Kay Keyser & His Orchestra
*Another one you hope to avoid.

18.) P Munoz
Home Track: Illinois
Riding Percentages: 18.8/48%
Pro Volleyball Player: Paul Munoz
Origin: Paul Munoz’s Overview. Current. Director and owner at Ohana Athletic Club. Past. Volleyball Professional at Portugal, Greece, Puerto Rico. Education: Cal State LongBeach, UC San Diego
*Leading Rider @ Illinois

19.) M Olsen
Home Track: Mexico
Riding Percentages: 17.3%/48%
Pro Football Player/Actor: Merlin Olsen
Origin: Merlin Jay Olsen(born: September 15th, 1940 died: March 11th, 2010) was an American football player in the National Football League, NFL commentator, and actor(Little House on the Prairie 1974, Father Murphy 1981).
*Second Leading Jock @ Mexico

20.) F Valenzuela
Home Track: Mexico
Riding Percentages: 10.3%/32%
Baseball Player: Fernando Valenzuela
Origin:Fernando Valenzuela Anguamea is a former Mexican left-handed pitcher, most notably with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In 1981, the 20-year-old Valenzuela took the Sporting World by storm.
Average Rider @ Mexico

21.) T West
Home Track: Eastern Kentucky
Riding Percentages: 7.2%/20.3%
Race Horse Trainer: Ted West
Origin: Contemporary Trainer on the Southern California Circuit
Not one you pick on purpose.

22.) C Long
Home Track: Delaware
Riding Percentages: 3%/26.9%
Football Player: Chuck Long
Origin: Charles Franklin “Chuck” Long, Jr. is an American football coach. He played quarterback in college at Iowa for Hayden Fry and professionally with the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams. He is an inductee of the College Football Hall of Fame.
Low Percentage Rider. Pass on this one.

23.) GD Mate
Home Track: New Zealand
Riding Percentages: 21.4%/54.6%
Fictional Character: G’day Mate
Origin: Australian Slang, g’day mate. An austrailian greeting between males. “Good day, mate”
Contender for Leading Rider

24.) L Gardner
Home Track: Italy
Riding Percentages: 8.1%/29.1%
Fictional Character: Lawn Gardner
Origin: A person or company that provides residential & commercial mowing services.
Low Percentage Rider

25.) M Cooper
Home Track: Nevada
Riding Percentages: 9.9%/41%
All-Star Basketball Player: Michael “Coop” Cooper
Origin: Michael Jerome Cooper is an American basketball coach and retired professional player. He is the head coach of the USC Women of Troy college basketball team. the rail-thin Cooper known for his knee-high socks, played shooting guard, small forward, and point guard, although his defensive assignment was usually the other team’s best shooter at the 2 or 3 position. Larry Bird has said that Cooper was the best defender he ever faced.
Average Rider, can get the job done.

Although, this is just a few of many possibilities and is just speculation on my part. If correct, it does give you some insight into Mike’s thinking and interests.
**Origins were taken from various internet sources.

Like myself, I am sure many of you have speculated on the origins and backgrounds of the Jockeys available to you, under the “Jockey Pal” tab. I am not refering to the jockeys named after players, but the jockeys named arbitrarily by Mike to fill out track rosters’. Jockeys named like “S. EX”. Which is self-explanatory to most of us. This will be a fun look at the names and not necessarily definitive. You will see/find there are some definite themes, throughout the “Sim”. Themes like “Musicians/sports figures/ect”.
Below you will find each jockeys’ name, their home track, riding percentages, and my interpretation/or background of the names. Like stated above, this is just my take on things and may not be what Mike was thinking at conception.

JOCKEY:
1.) O. Osbourne
Home Track: Utah
Riding Percentages: 29.9%/63%
This one appears to be a give me: Ozzy Osbourne
Origin: John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne (born 3 December 1948) is an English heavy metal vocalist and songwriter, whose musical career has spanned over 40 years. Osbourne rose to prominence as lead singer of the pioneering English band “Black Sabbath”, whose dark and hard sound helped spawn the heavy metal genre. Due to Sabbath’s dark style, Osbourne became known as the “Prince of Darkness”. Osbourne is also known as the “Godfather of Heavy Metal”
*A perennial standout selection @ the Utah track. If you are lucky enough to draw this rider, chances are you are one of the favorites.

2.) F Mac
Home Track: Missouri
Riding Percentages: 27.4%/65.5%
This one is a shot in the dark: Freddie Mac
Origin: The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC), known as Freddie Mac. The FHLMC was created in 1970 to expand the secondary market for mortgages in the US. Along with other GSEs, Freddie Mac buys mortgages on the secondary market, pools them, and sells them as a mortgage-back security to investors on the open-market.
*The high-flying F Mac is the Jockey everyone hopes to draw when running @ Missouri.

3.) J Van Dam
Home Track: Belgium
Riding Percentages: 16.7%/47.6%
This is another that seems pretty straight forward: Jean-Claude Van Damme
Origin: Jean-Claude Camille François Van Varenberg (born 18 October 1960), professionally known as Jean-Claude Van Damme,is a Belgium Martial Artist, Actor and director. After studying martial arts intensively from the age of ten, Van Damme achieved national success in Belgium as a martial artist and bodybuilder, earning the “Mr. Belgium” bodybuilding title. He emigrated to the United States in 1982 to pursue a career in film, and achieved success as an Action Movie Star.
*While not the Leading Rider at his home track. He is a consistant sort and a safe selection to get your nag home on top.

4.) H Artack
Home Track: North Korea
Riding Percentages: 33.7%/73.8%
For those familar with the history of Horse Racing, this should be easy: Bill Hartack
Origin: Born, William John Hartack Jr. (December 9, 1932 – November 26, 2007) a Hall of Fame Jockey. He was born in Ebensburg, Pennsylvannia. Referred to by the media as both “Bill” and “Willie” (actually Hartack detested being called “Willie” because of his dislike for fellow jockey Willie Shoemaker) during his racing career. During his riding career between 1953 and 1974 in the United States, Hartack rode 4,272 winners in 21,535 mounts. From 1978 to 1980 he raced in Hong Kong, then retired in 1981. After he retired as a jockey, Hartack worked off-and-on for the rest of his life as a steward for many racetracks.
*Not only a standout @ North Korea. Arguably one of the best in the game.

5.) H Gajan
Home Track: Colorado
Riding Percentages: 13.2%/27.5%
This one is pretty obscure: Howard “Hokie” Gajan
Origin: Howard Lee “Hokie” Gajan (born September 6, 1959 in Baker, Louisiana) is a former American football running back who played five seasons in the National Football League. He is third all time in yards per carry in a season for a primary running back (one with at least 100 carries in a season) in NFL history, according to ESPN Stats & Information. He currently works as the color commentator, on Saints radio broadcasts.
*Far down in the Colorado track standings. His riding statistics, are up slightly for the year(in comparison w/his lifetime stats.

6.) G Rivers
Home Track: Washington
Riding Percentages: 17.2%/40.6%
For those Basketball fans out there, this one’s easy: Glen “Doc” Rivers
Origin: Glenn Anton “Doc” Rivers (born October 13, 1961) is a former professional basketball player and the current head coach of the NBA’s Boston Celtics.
*An above average choice @ Washington.

7.) S Flint
Home Track: Nevada
Riding Percentages: 9.8%/26.2%
This is just a guess: Skin Flint
Origin: One who is very reluctant to spend money; a miser
*A run of the mill Jockey. Both Year-to- Date & Lifetime.

8.) K Orn
Home Track: Maine
Riding Percentages: 12.9%/47.7%
Obivious to the Generation-X crowd: Korn
Origin: Korn is an American rock band from Bakersfield, California, formed in 1993. The current band line up includes four members: Jonathan Davis, James “Munky” Shaffer, Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu and Ray Luzier.
Record Labels: EMI, Roadrunner Records, Epic Records,
Awards: Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video, Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance
Can you figure out what kind of music, Mike listens to? There is a pattern here.
*Grabbing this above average rider, will certainly not hurt your chances.

9.) I Thomas
Home Track: Connecticut
Riding Percentages: 25.1%/63.4%
Another for you Basketball fans: Isaiah Thomas
Origin: Isiah Lord Thomas III ( born April 30, 1961), nicknamed “Zeke”, is a retired American basketball player who played collegiately for the Indiana Hoosiers. He went on to play professionally as point guard for the Detroit Pistons and is one of the 50 Greatest Players in the NBA.
*Consistantly a top contender wherever he rides.

10.) R Pollard
Home Track: Alabama
Riding Percentages: 20.1%/57.2%
Another one for you Horse Racing Historians: Red Pollard
Origin: John “Red” M. Pollard was a Canadian thoroughbred horse racing jockey. A founding member of the Jockeys’ Guild in 1940, Pollard rode at racetracks in the United States and is best known for riding Seabiscuit.
*An excellent choice, when running @ Alabama

11.) J Johnson
Home Track: Minnesota
Riding Percentages: 8.1%/27.6%
Here is one for you Car Racing enthusiasts: Junior Johnson
Origin: Robert Glenn Johnson, Jr., better known as Junior Johnson, is one of the early superstars of NASCAR in the 1950s and 1960s. He won 50 NASCAR races in his career before retiring in 1966. One of the original Moonshine Runners, to help jumpstart NASCAR.
*I believe this one has retired.

12.) J Dawg
Home Track: Wyoming
Riding Percentages: 20.3%/56.4%
Wrestling Fans, here is your rider: J-Dawg
Origin: J-Dawg is the ringname of Jeff Brooks (born 1982), an American professional wrestler who competes in Southeastern independent promotions including IWA.
*The one you want to ride @ Wyoming.

13.) M Isdell
Home Track: Tennessee
Riding Percentages: 15.8%/44%
Fictional Pin-up Girl: Miss Dell Computer
Origin: Dell Inc. is an American multinational computer technology corporation based in 1 Dell Way, Round Rock, Texas, United States, that develops, sells and supports computers and related products and services. Bearing the name of its founder, Michael Dell, the company is one of the largest technological corporations in the world, employing more than 103,300 people worldwide. It is the second largest non-oil company in Texas – behind AT & T.
*Second Leading Rider @ Tennessee. A solid selection.

14.) Ro Lott
Home Track: Tennessee
Riding Percentages: 10.4%/33%
Football Player: Ronnie Lott
Origin: Ronald Mandel “Ronnie” Lott is a former American college(USC) and professional football player(49ers)who was a cornerback, free safety, and strong safety in the National Football League for fifteen seasons during the 1980s and 1990s
*4th Leading Rider, with very average statistics.

15.) P Garrett
Home Track: Denmark
Riding Percentages: 9.3%/30%
American “Old” West Lawman: Pat Garrett
Origin: Patrick Floyd “Pat” Garrett was an American Old West lawman, bartender, and customs agent who was best known for killing Billy the Kid. He was also the sheriff of Lincoln County, New Mexico as well as Doña Ana County, New Mexico. Sheriff Pat Garrett, Billy the Kid’s Killer, lost his re-election as Sheriff, lost a bid for Senate and lost his life in a land dispute. (Born: June 5th, 1850 Died: February 29th, 1908)
*Low Percentage Rider.

16.) F Allen
Home Track: California
Riding Percentages: 9.4%/29%
Comedian/Radio Personality: Fred Allen
Origin: Fred Allen (born: John Florence Sullivan, May 31, 1894 died: March 17, 1956). Was an American comedian whose absurdist, topically pointed radio show made him one of the most popular and forward-looking humorists in the so-called classic era of American radio.
*Nearly, bottom of the standings.

17.) K Keyser
Home Track: California
Riding Percentages: 7.1%/29%
Popular Bandleader/Radio Personality/Actor: “Kay” Keyser
Origin: James Kern Kyser was a popular bandleader and radio personality of the 1930s and 1940s. Known as the: Professor of Swing. (born: June 18th, 1905- died: July 23, 1985)
Movies appeared in: That’s Right You’re Wrong, Swing Fever, and My Favorite Spy.
Albums: Best of Big Bands, Kay Keyser Music Maestro Please, Best of Kay Keyser & His Orchestra
*Another one you hope to avoid.

18.) P Munoz
Home Track: Illinois
Riding Percentages: 18.8/48%
Pro Volleyball Player: Paul Munoz
Origin: Paul Munoz’s Overview. Current. Director and owner at Ohana Athletic Club. Past. Volleyball Professional at Portugal, Greece, Puerto Rico. Education: Cal State LongBeach, UC San Diego
*Leading Rider @ Illinois

19.) M Olsen
Home Track: Mexico
Riding Percentages: 17.3%/48%
Pro Football Player/Actor: Merlin Olsen
Origin: Merlin Jay Olsen(born: September 15th, 1940 died: March 11th, 2010) was an American football player in the National Football League, NFL commentator, and actor(Little House on the Prairie 1974, Father Murphy 1981).
*Second Leading Jock @ Mexico

20.) F Valenzuela
Home Track: Mexico
Riding Percentages: 10.3%/32%
Baseball Player: Fernando Valenzuela
Origin:Fernando Valenzuela Anguamea is a former Mexican left-handed pitcher, most notably with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In 1981, the 20-year-old Valenzuela took the Sporting World by storm.
Average Rider @ Mexico

21.) T West
Home Track: Eastern Kentucky
Riding Percentages: 7.2%/20.3%
Race Horse Trainer: Ted West
Origin: Contemporary Trainer on the Southern California Circuit
Not one you pick on purpose.

22.) C Long
Home Track: Delaware
Riding Percentages: 3%/26.9%
Football Player: Chuck Long
Origin: Charles Franklin “Chuck” Long, Jr. is an American football coach. He played quarterback in college at Iowa for Hayden Fry and professionally with the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams. He is an inductee of the College Football Hall of Fame.
Low Percentage Rider. Pass on this one.

23.) GD Mate
Home Track: New Zealand
Riding Percentages: 21.4%/54.6%
Fictional Character: G’day Mate
Origin: Australian Slang, g’day mate. An austrailian greeting between males. “Good day, mate”
Contender for Leading Rider

24.) L Gardner
Home Track: Italy
Riding Percentages: 8.1%/29.1%
Fictional Character: Lawn Gardner
Origin: A person or company that provides residential & commercial mowing services.
Low Percentage Rider

25.) M Cooper
Home Track: Nevada
Riding Percentages: 9.9%/41%
All-Star Basketball Player: Michael “Coop” Cooper
Origin: Michael Jerome Cooper is an American basketball coach and retired professional player. He is the head coach of the USC Women of Troy college basketball team. the rail-thin Cooper known for his knee-high socks, played shooting guard, small forward, and point guard, although his defensive assignment was usually the other team’s best shooter at the 2 or 3 position. Larry Bird has said that Cooper was the best defender he ever faced.
Average Rider, can get the job done.

Although, this is just a few of many possibilities and is just speculation on my part. If correct, it does give you some insight into Mike’s thinking and interests.
**Origins were taken from various internet sources.