Hoss Talk

     A year later, with three years of riding in San Francisco, Sam Krasner arrived to test the local racetrack. 

     For Loseth, Johnson and Krasner, success was almost instantaneous. A few years later Walker caught on with the horsemen. With each accomplishment on the racetrack, came recognition, they soon became the "Fab Four". 

     Here they are, jockeys competing in a sport where the average career ends after four years, racing against rivals who weren't even born when they first began riding. 

     They appeared to be almost invincible. Yet time and lady luck has a way of ending all dreams. 

     The only rider active among the Four is Loseth, who continues riding winners on a regular schedule at Hastings. The sport has changed since they started. 

     "Youngster are now interested in hockey, basketball, soccer and football. They're not thinking horse racing," said  Johnson. 

     During his career, Johnson continuously ranked among the top riders in B.C.  A year ago he went down in a race while riding Charming Peter and fractured his right arm, several ribs along with a     punctured lung. His return is uncertain. 

     Walker was forced into retirement due to wear and tear. He's had arthroscopy knee surgery and is waiting for a hip replacement operation. Krasner earned a reputation for playing thorough pain.  

   Forced to miss this entire racing season     because of a damaged disc, he looks forward to getting back to riding next year. 

     "I believe a key reason we lasted so long is we became very good riders," said Krasner. "I always thought of myself as riding for as long as I could." 

     - On the Sport of Kings Saturday, 10 a.m. on Citytv, a look at the recent running of the $50,000 B.C. Cup Distaff race. ... The new Friday 6:45 p.m. post time at Hastings makes a statement about how far Woodbine Entertainment listens to horsemen and racing fans for new ideas. ... With local horse racing back in a positive situation, this could be a good time to pick up a Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society 2002 Yearling Sale & Mixed Catalogue for their Sept. 10 sale at Thunderbird Show Park in Langley with more than 160 horses for auction. Call 604-574-0145. 

     twolski@shaw.ca 

Wolski can be seen on the Sport of Kings, 10 a.m. 
                     Saturday, Citytv. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Source: Vancouver Province
E-mail Tommy Wolski at twolski@shaw.ca