Joanne Mcdaid

Joanne Mcdaid is a jockey I have know for many years now and the last interview I did with her is now a few years old so I thought it was time for a new updated one. I begged and pleaded (ha ha) with her to do a new one and I emailed her off some questions and here is what she said to the questions I posed to her:

FOTH: How much longer do you think you will ride for?

JM: I'm not sure at the moment. Right now I am kinda just taking things day by day.

FOTH: Looking back, do you think you were a good apprentice rider?

JM: Yes. I think I held my own with the guys and I got plenty of opportunity to ride live horses for a lot of different trainers.

FOTH: Do you think you have a certain riding style?

JM: Everybody has their own style.

FOTH: Do you ever have problems with your weight or that not an issue for you?

JM: No, I am very lucky.

FOTH: In 2007, you, Maria Charles and Tara Hemmings from Philadelphia Park went out to Hoosier Park for the 2007 Female Jockey Challenge. Tell me a little bit about the experience.

JM: We had a lot of fun, it was like a little vacation. We went to the spa, ate a lot and did a little bit of partying...lol.

FOTH: You just rode in the 1st annual Philadelphia Park Female Jockey Challenge on Ladies Day at the track. How was that experience for ya?

JM: I knew it was going to be fun and it was for a good cause. I think you and Sal did a great on it and thanks so much for letting me be part of it.

FOTH: Do you have a favorite track that you have rode at so far?

JM: Monmouth Park in New Jersey.

FOTH: What are some things you like to do when you are away from the track?

JM: Relax with my 2 dogs and paint a little bit.

FOTH: Looking back, was becoming a jockey easier or harder than you thought it would be?

JM: Well it takes a lot of work and dedication and it can be hard at times, but the hard work pays off most of the time. It can also be very demanding physically and mentally there is a lot of pressure coming from the people around you, to do good, so my answer would be yes it was harder.

FOTH: Do you think after you retire as a jockey that you will be involved in the sport of horse racing?

JM: Yes.

FOTH: (funny question of the interview) Why does Chris Forbes have so many pictures of you ha ha?

JM: Because he loves me...lol!

FOTH: How do you prepare for a race you are riding in?

JM: I read the racing program, see what my horse is like, as well as the other horses in the race and be able to see, hopefully, how the race will set up?

FOTH: For those who don't know what do you do with a horse when you take them out in the morning?

JM: Exercise them for the races in the afternoon. To get them fit and maintain their fitness.

FOTH: Have you ever got into the slot machine area at Phila Park or Penn National and if you have, have you ever made any money?

JM: I have been a few times, but I don't really bet.

FOTH: What is your favorite food to eat?

JM: Chicken.

FOTH: Do you have any short term or long term goals you want to achieve as a jockey?

JM: Like I said earlier I am just taking things day by day right now and I really can't say what the future will hold, but I would like to remain injury free the rest of my time riding.

FOTH: If a young girl came up to you and said she wanted to become a jockey, what advice would you give her?

JM: Work hard and listen and learn as much as you can from different people.

FOTH: Is the turf course down at Atlantic City Race Course (they run a short 10 day meet every year in late May and early June) the best turf course you have ever been on?

JM: Yes.

FOTH: Do you think another female jockey will win another Triple Crown race?

JM: Yes.

FOTH: Joanne I am out of questions any last words you want to say?

JM: Thanks for the interview and sorry it took so long to get this back to you and thumbs up to you from one of the Philly Twins lol!!!

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