dunn fun – “Jockeys on Horses Getting Milk” Episode 5

This piece of fictional fun is a chance for us to be introduced to one of the SIMS jockeys based on a popular TV show that features Comedians and Coffee.

WELCOME TO THE ANOTHER EPISODE OF “JOCKEYS ON HORSES GETTING MILK”.

On today’s show we are going to do something a little different and are going to climb into a sulky cart each and drive two horses that participate in Harness Racing.  Harness racing is a form of horse racing in which the horse’s race at a specific gait (a trot or a pace) and pull a two-wheeled cart called a sulky. In North America harness races are restricted to Standardbred horses, so named because in the early years of the Standardbred stud book, only horses who could trot or pace a mile in a standard time of no more than 2 minutes, 30 seconds were admitted to the book. The horses have proportionally shorter legs than Thoroughbreds, and longer bodies and generally have a more placid disposition. Today we are driving “Sundin” and “Bosh”.

My guest today is Brandon Renfroe, the top lifetime earning SIM Jockey running out of my hometown in Ontario Canada with twenty years under his belt. Brandon has more than thirty-five hundred career wins and has finished in the money in fifty-two percent of his seventeen thousand starts.  Brandon is married and has four kids and a dog named “Gilmour”.

I’m DUNN and this is “JOCKEYS ON HORSES GETTING MILK”!

Dunn (on phone): Hey Brandon its Dunn, I’m in the neighborhood and have two great horses for us. Want to go for Milk?

Brandon (on phone): I would love to Dunn, I have been looking forward to your call.

DUNN ARRIVES AT BRANDON’S HOUSE

Dunn: What do you think of our horses today? Something a little different, not sure if you have any experience with Harness Racing.

Brandon:  I actually do Dunn! When I was growing up we had a cottage and our neighbor Mr. Thompson was an owner / racer in Harness Racing. One of my earliest memories of any horse is Mr. Thompson training his horse on the road that our cottage was on and also going to the local county fair and watching him race.

Dunn:  You will notice that these two horses are named for past Toronto sports stars like I believe your dog is.

DUNN AND BRANDON CLIMB ABOARD THE SULKY CARTS

Brandon: I did notice that and as a huge Toronto sports fan I appreciate the gesture. My Raptors and my Leafs are both having great seasons this year and I hope to see them both competing well into the playoffs.

Dunn: Growing up in Toronto surrounded by all of those other sports, how did you get into Horse Racing?

Brandon:  Well I actually grew up very close to a racetrack in Toronto that is no longer there. Greenwood Raceway opened in 1874 and closed in 1994 so unfortunately I never got to ride there. Since it was so close to my home though, I actually worked there as a stable hand, got to meet some great trainers and was introduced to life as a Jockey and learned the ropes there.

Dunn: So most of you career has been spent racing in your hometown out of Woodbine. What has that been like?

Brandon:  It has been a great career and being close to home has its perks. I can still get a home cooked meal from my Mom when I want, I have been involved in my kid’s lives, and get to sleep in my own bed most nights. People also have cheered for the hometown boy and many of my friends and family come to the track on a regular basis so I feel supported and that always helps when it comes to race time.

Dunn: Do any of your kids have an interest in becoming Jockeys one day?

Brandon:  No, I don’t think so and I am okay with that as they are all good kids and have their own interests. My oldest son is playing Junior Hockey in the QMJHL and has hopes of a pro hockey career. My two daughters are curlers and play on the same team and competed recently in the Provincial Junior Championships and my youngest son is into music.

Dunn: Do you have a favorite win that you have had over the years?

Brandon: Yes at the “Blueberry Stakes” last November I was riding four year old KYMAR LITHIUM. She was claimed by kanada at the 2015 “Christmas Present” and that day was a 10/1 long shot. We had teamed up in her previous race but she did not respond that day and finished a disappointing tenth. I was really excited to get a chance to redeem myself and she was really patient that day and we won by a nose.  Unfortunately she hasn’t fared well her last two races and I hope I get a chance to work with her again soon and I can help her get back to the winners circle.

Dunn: It has been great getting to know you today Brandon. It is great to have a fellow Canadian on the show. Thanks for being my guest today. Are you ready for some Milk?

DUNN AND BRANDONENTER RESTAURANT “MILK EH!”

TUNE IN NEXT TIME AS WE MEET FLIP GOSSETT ON ANOTHER EPISODE OF “JOCKEYS ON HORSES GETTING MILK”.