Cindy Soto
Cindy Soto is a young jockey that has been riding about a year now and this is her story:
FOTH: Where were you born and where did you grow up?
CS: I was born in Puerto Rico and I grow up in Carolina.
FOTH: What sort of girl were you growing up?
CS: I always was very alert girl.
FOTH: What did you want to be when you were growing up and did you come from a big family?
CS: I always liked animals and I wanted to be a veterinary... No. I didn't come from a big family.
FOTH: At what age did the world of horse racing enter your world?
CS: At the age of 15
FOTH: Did you have close friends when you were growing up?
CS: Yes.
FOTH: So tell me a little bit at your 1st job at a racetrack and what track was it at?
CS: Hot walker in Camarero race track.
FOTH: At what point did you decide you wanted to become an ex-rider and at the time was the thought of actually becoming a jockey enter your mind?
CS: I start getting on horses and I wanted to ride.
FOTH: Did anybody teach you how to ride and did getting up on a horse feel natural for you?
CS: Several friends help me on the way Willie Lozano, Luis Negron and feel natural when I got on a horse.
FOTH: So how long did you exercise horses before you became a jockey?
CS: 2 years.
FOTH: Now when you became a jockey, how did it feel finally having a jockey license in your hand?
CS: Great feeling
FOTH: What did your parents think about you becoming a jockey?
CS: They agree
FOTH: Looking back, was becoming a jockey easier or harder than you thought?
CS: Harder....
FOTH: Tell me about your 1st race? What track was it at and where did you finish in the race and were you nervous at all?
CS: Camarero race track I finish 2nd just a little nervous
FOTH: Tell me about your 1st win. What track was it at and did you win by a lot or was it close? What was it like jogging the horse back to the winner’s circle?
CS: My first win was at Evangeline Downs was a close win... I was crying.
FOTH: What did the jocks get you with after the race and did you know it was coming?
CS: They got me, I know was coming
FOTH: What tracks have you ride at and do you have a favorite one?
CS: Camarero race track and Evangeline Downs my favorite E.V.D
FOTH: How long have you been riding for and how long would you want to ride for?
CS: Six months
FOTH: Have you ridden in any quarter horse races and if you did what was that like?
CS: No
FOTH: What is the toughest thing about being a jockey?
CS: The risk of getting hurt.
FOTH: Do you ever have any problems with your weight at all?
CS: No.
FOTH: What do you like to do when you’re away from the racetrack?
CS: Spend time with family
FOTH: Any last words?
CS: Thanks for the interview
Cindy is now riding at Parx Raxing.....