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16-year-old Josh Radosevich, a third-generation horsemen, was killed doing what he was born to do. When his mount Nyoka broke down in upper stretch at Beulah Park Wednesday afternoon, Radosevich was thrown to the ground, trampled by other horses and killed.
I suppose Dickens’ line could apply to any tragic event throughout the history of the world, but to this horse racing fan, this incident hits home.
Radosevich piloted his first mount on October 6 and rode his first winner on October 14, his first of 19. It is the early resume of a budding star. Our sport is one which welcomes young individuals motivated to succeed in a very difficult game and clearly Radosevich was one of them.
A rider’s job is often overlooked by horseplayers. Through the hundreds of races run around the world each day too many racing fans, myself included, fail to consider how these humans are paying the ultimate sacrifice. With each and every mount, one bad step and a career is over. And in too many cases, one bad step and a life is too. Suddenly our $2 wagers seem so meaningless.
Radosevich joins a list too long of jockey’s who have died on the racetrack. Just last month the industry was morning the loss of Michel Lapensee, a rider from Suffolk Downs who died from injuries suffered during a spill. These events will humble even the coldest of hearts.
Tomorrow morning thousands of horses will enter the racetrack for their morning routine. Horsemen will line-up along the rail to witness the creatures that sustain their existence. Horseplayers will sharpen their pencils and peruse the afternoon card. But most importantly, jockeys will polish their boots, sharpen their tack and once again risk their lives for our enjoyment.
On behalf of all racing fans, our hearts and prayers go out to Josh and his family. I hope his family knows that we appreciate what he did for us and how his sacrifice has not gone unnoticed.
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