Jockeys’ Performances Too Often Overlooked

Thank you for the excellent article on Sal Gonzalez Jr. (July 10). The common lament is that the professional athlete can no longer be relied upon to be hero and role model. Yet somehow, the thoroughbred jockey is overlooked as hero, role model, and, incredibly, as an athlete.

Consider, however, that the thoroughbred jockey must have a tremendous work ethic and must exercise inhuman levels of discipline, never duck the press, and have developed an extraordinary skill that combines intelligence, courage and grace.

Many uninformed and uninitiated people view the sport with cynicism and contempt. Yet, if these same people judged the performances of CEOs, politicians, and utility infielders hitting .220 and earning $800,000 a year by the same standards that apply to the thoroughbred jockey, both this country and the world would be better places.

GLENN BERGER

Sierra Madre