The New York Racing
Association, Inc. (NYRA) has announced that retired jockey Richard Migliore, who won more than 4,400 races over
a career spanning three decades, will join the organization as a broadcast
analyst and racing office associate, serving in a number of different roles.
As a broadcast analyst,
Migliore will appear on a variety of NYRA TV program offerings. In support of
the racing office, the 46-year old New
York native will participate in the Apprentice
Program, in which he will work with apprentices on riding skills, race
strategies, and safe riding practices. Migliore will also help conduct seminars
for new and prospective thoroughbred owners to encourage broader participation
in the industry, and help NYRA’s community outreach programs by appearing
at various local events. Migliore will also continue his current role as a
television analyst on HRTV.
“As a native New
Yorker and someone who grew up attending and riding at the NYRA tracks, to come
back and work here is great,” said Migliore. “It is a very exciting
time for New York
racing and I’m looking forward to helping the company in a variety of
different roles.”
Migliore, who was born in 1964 and grew up on Long
Island, got a job on a horse farm near his home and decided he was
going to be a jockey at age 12. He began riding in 1980, and in 1981 won the
Eclipse Award as the nation’s top apprentice with 298 victories. Twice
the leading rider in New York – in 1981 and 1985 – Migliore won or
tied as leading rider at 10 different NYRA meets, most recently taking the 2005
Aqueduct spring meet.
“Richard Migliore is a
terrific addition to the NYRA team,” said NYRA President and CEO Charles Hayward. “During the course of his
30-year career as a jockey, he displayed innate riding ability and remarkable
perseverance. He is extremely well-spoken and can provide unique insight into
races, making him a natural to help NYRA’s television, racing, and
community outreach efforts.”
A fixture on the NYRA circuit, Migliore announced his retirement on
June 2, 2010. “The Mig,” as he was known, rode 4,450 winners of
more than $160 million. Some of his biggest victories came later in his career,
taking his first Breeders’ Cup race in 2008 aboard Turf Sprint
winner Desert
Code, and in 2009 capturing the Grade 1 Gazelle and Grade 1 Test aboard
Flashing. In all, he won 362 stakes, including 25 Grade 1 races.