Wesley A. Ward
Wesley Ward | |
---|---|
Occupation | King's Stand Stakes (2017) Sandringham Handicap (2017) Commonwealth Cup (2021) Breeders' Cup wins: |
Racing awards | |
Eclipse Award for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey (1984) | |
Honors | |
Washington Thoroughbred Hall of Fame (2015) | |
Significant horses | |
Golden Pal, Hootenanny, Judy the Beauty, Lady Aurelia, Men's Exclusive, No Nay Never, Twilight Gleaming |
Wesley A. Ward (born March 3, 1968, in
Background
Ward grew up in the horse racing industry, being the son of trainer Dennis Ward.[1]
Riding career
In 1984, Wesley Ward was voted the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey following a season in which he won riding championships at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park, and the Meadowlands Racetrack and rode 335 winners. He went on to compete at racetracks in Italy, Malaysia and Singapore before his battles with weight gain led to retirement in 1989.
Ward was represented by agent Lenny Goodman.[2]
Training career
Wesley Ward turned to training, first as an assistant to his father before going out on his own in 1991. He earned his first stakes win as a trainer in 1994 at Hollywood Park, winning the Cinema Handicap.[1] Based in California, he also races at Gulfstream Park in Florida during the winter months. He has had 3 children, Riley Ward, Denae Ward, and Jackson Ward.
On June 16, 2009, Ward became the first U.S.-based conditioner to ship a horse to England and win a stakes race at the prestigious
Ward also suffered setbacks at that Ascot meeting—4-year-old Cannonball was sixth in the Group 1
In 2015, Wesley Ward was inducted into the Washington Thoroughbred Hall of Fame.[2]
At the 2017 Royal Ascot meeting, Ward trainee Con Te Partiro took the Sandringham Handicap at odds of 20-1 ridden by Jamie Spencer.
References
- ^ a b NTRA.com Wesley Ward Archived March 28, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ a b "Wesley A. Ward". Washington Thoroughbred Breeders & Owners Association. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
- ^ The Bloodhorse.com Ward of the World Archived January 21, 2021, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Event By Year". Breederscup.com. Retrieved 2012-06-02.
- ^ "Free Eagle wins the Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot". The Guardian. Retrieved 18 June 2015.