A former Olds College student that has gone on to win over 140 horse races and over $5.5 million in purse money since graduating from the equestrian exercise rider and jockey training program in 2007 made a return to the college last week.
Omar Moreno was honoured for all his achievements, including being named the Eclipse Award Winner earlier this year as the leading apprentice rider in North America. Moreno became only the fourth apprentice in Canada to be named the winner of the award.
During a ceremony at the Shirley McClellan Riding Arena, McClellan, chair of Horse Racing Alberta, said Moreno was one of the students that others look up to.
ìYou are one of our star students. You will provide that (inspiration),î she said.
ìIt's a most special moment for me (to return to the college),î Moreno said. ìYou have a very special program here.î
Moreno said it was humbling to even be considered for the Eclipse Award when there are so many other riders having great success on the track.
ìFor me it was a great honour to even be nominated,î he said.
Moreno, who was in Olds during the off-season at Woodbine and Fort Erie racetracks, said the 13-week exercise rider and jockey training program at Olds College provided him with an excellent grounding in horsemanship, allowing him to succeed as much as he has. Moreno entered the program in 2006-07, without much knowledge of horses or horsemanship. Moreno had previously been a national junior boxing champion, before injuries forced him to give up that sport.
ìThis place gave me the foundation that I needed. They taught me things that I didn't (know). I was very grateful that I was able to come here,î he said, adding that since he's graduated, the classes have been getting better and better.
Moreno made about 1,100 rides in 2010 at Woodbine and Fort Erie racetracks in Ontario.
Horse Racing Alberta provides $120,000 per year for the program at Olds College. When students are finished the program, they spend time at various stables at the Northlands racetrack in Edmonton riding and caring for a variety of different horses. The partnership between Olds College and Horse Racing Alberta began in 2002 as a way to develop a homegrown capability of riders at tracks around Alberta.
ìWe are committed to this partnership,î McClellan said.
Horse Racing Alberta helps tailor the program for those wanting to become jockeys and get involved in the horse racing industry.
ìThe grooms school and galloping program are geared to tracks so we would give (Olds College) input as to what is necessary for a person who was going through this school to work at a track or to become a jockey,î she said.
