Hoss Talk

Retired jockey has one more race to win
The Vancouver Province
Mon 04 Oct 2004
Column: Hoss Talk
Source: The Province

In 19 years of riding horses at the Exhibition-Hastings track in Vancouver, jockey Jimmy Arnold had to endure all the ups and downs associated with his profession.

By the time he retired in 1985 because of back problems, Arnold had visited the winner's circle nearly a thousand times. He still is listed among jockeys who have ridden the most stake winners at Hastings.

With an always-present positive attitude, Arnold had all the natural attributes to be a success on and off the racetrack.

One of his assets was a tremendous heart that often would allow him the courage to find the narrowest of openings in a race.

It is that heart and courage that now keep him strong and positive through another stage in is life.

A visit to the doctor in April revealed he had brain cancer.

"While at work one day, they thought I was having a stroke," Arnold recalled. "As soon as they did tests, they operated right away.

"The first treatment they did to help shrink the tumour was put me on steroids. The side effects were a tremendous weight gain, mainly in my stomach, and my face really got big. I also experienced muscle loss and my immune system became weaker."

Arnold also received radiation treatments.

"That was when I had a minor heart attack. The radiation also caused me to lose all my hair and my hearing in both ears. I now wear two hearing aids.

"Other than that, I am OK."

One would think there would be some "Why me, God" attitude.

But nothing could be further from the truth.

The last five months, when he isn't at home painting, Arnold and Movana, his wife of 38 years, spend their precious time visiting friends.

A few weeks ago, horse owners Jim and Linda Sentes organized a small surprise golf tournament to help relieve some of the financial strain. People from the thoroughbred and standardbred sides of horse racing attended, including many who had never met Arnold.

"What has happened to me, you can't change," Arnold said.

"All I know is I have had a wonderful life. To see the love people have shown me recently is amazing. I truly believe, no matter what happens, I have been blessed."

Jim, get well soon. We're betting on you once again.

twolski@shaw.ca