Jockey TD Houghton Returns Like A Warrior, Wins First Race Back At Hazel Park.

Picture courtesy of Dave Mersey (click onto twice for full resolution).

From leg up aboard Unbridled Isabel the number 1 of the second race Terry was all business. Cheers from not only me but everyone around the paddock his only focus was totally on the race at hand and who would expect anything different from this professional.

It was one excited crowd that showed up Friday night to see this native hometown jockey of Hazel Park return to the sport of thoroughbred racing. I think even more so for those of us who have worked this industry as well for we know, once horses are in your blood they never leave.

And that’s a good thing. It’s a passion for life and TD wasted no time as he brought his horse across the wire for the win, his first race back. Thousands yelled him home then tears welled up in our eyes so happy for him.

Jockey T.D. Houghton Back In The Saddle Friday at Hazel Park Raceway.

The second race of Friday nights card will be Terry Houghton’s first race since his injury that took place at Moutaineer Park’s opener on March 1, 2014 when his mount went down.

This man has taken a pounding over his long career but has remained diligent at working as hard as he can to come back to what he loves, riding thoroughbreds. His heart is as big as the horses he rides, believe me I know. Whether in career or personal this man is genuine and compassionate and that’s why he among the winning-est jockeys.

Thoroughbred Horse Racing Back In Metro/Detroit Friday June 27th!

I’ve made no secret how I feel about Hazel Park Raceway’s group. From the owners to their pin up boy. But make no mistake it is the Michigan Horseman’s Benevolent and Protection Association who have paid for the racing surface conversion and barn area renovation. 350 stalls ain’t much but it’s enough to get the thoroughbreds back on the track.

Pinnacle should have went on, the State Of Michigan made sure it didn’t. Again Governor Snyder RE-INSTATE our Office Of Racing Commissioner.

Again to reiterate for the millionth time.

Before the word Lottery or Casino was ever heard it was Horse Racing that generated $400 Million dollars a year for the State.

Give this Industry not only the respect it Deserves but what it has Earned.

 

Equibase

Friday’s Entries at Hazel Park.

DETROIT’S THOROUGHBRED RACING HISTORY

1948 at Detroit Fairgrounds.

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ZOOM IN

Too much heritage to let go of in the State of Michigan. Don’t you agree?

http://kdl.kyvl.org/cgi/t/text/pageviewer-idx?c=drf1970s;cc=drf1970s;rgn=full%20text;idno=drf1978050404;didno=drf1978050404;view=pdf;seq=48_1;node=drf1978050404%3A48.1

http://kdl.kyvl.org/cgi/t/text/pageviewer-idx?c=drf1970s;cc=drf1970s;rgn=full%20text;idno=drf1977051402;didno=drf1977051402;view=pdf;seq=27_1;node=drf1977051402%3A27.1

http://kdl.kyvl.org/cgi/t/text/pageviewer-idx?c=drf1980s;cc=drf1980s;rgn=full%20text;idno=drf1982050602;didno=drf1982050602;view=pdf;seq=26_1;node=drf1982050602%3A26.1

http://kdl.kyvl.org/cgi/t/text/pageviewer-idx?c=drf1980s;cc=drf1980s;rgn=full%20text;idno=drf1980050502;didno=drf1980050502;view=pdf;seq=15_1;node=drf1980050502%3A15.1

The Start of a Race at The Detroit Fairgrounds, Dated July 13, 1948. ( Original Press Photo )

To be continued……