Jim Sorenson on Simons Sword. His 3rd of 7 winners on June 23, 1976.
by Bob Gates
Isn’t it sweet when everything clicks and you can do no wrong?
Well, Assiniboia Downs can boast of at least five jockeys who experienced a rare combination of skill, luck and whatever else is required to achieve an evening of greatness.
This week we recall five such events for five different riders, who had that once in a lifetime experience at the Downs, a night where they were as close to perfection as you’re likely to ever get.
What better place to start than the diminutive giant who holds the record for most wins on a single card at the Downs, Minnesota native Jim Sorenson.
June 23, 2016 marks the 40th anniversary of Jim’s record romp. It was a warm summer’s eve in 1976 when Jim put it all together like no one before him had ever done. The 22-year-old rode in all nine races that Wednesday night and chalked up seven wins.
Jim’s record breaking night looked like this:
- Race #1 – Dandy Babu ($5.80)
- Race #2 – Never Be Long ($7.40)
- Race #3 – Simons Sword ($4.30)
- Race #4 – Lore Eze Two ($11.10)
- Race #5 – Oakie’s Arc ($13.70)
- Race #8 – Super Good ($7.90)
- Race #9 – Deacon Road ($30.30)
Last season I did a blog story on Sorenson. Interestingly enough, we received three responses from people who knew Jim and gave us a little more insight into the “Mystery Man.”
Jim’s daughter, Amber proudly acknowledged, “That’s my dad.” Danny Sorenson, Jim’s older brother offered, “Jim is alive and well and is living in northeastern Arizona outside of Show Low.” Lastly, Bill F, a longtime friend, said that Jim was “the biggest little man” he knew. It was great to get these updates on the man who rewrote the record book forty years ago.
Jim’s record setting performance that summer bettered the previous record of Downs’ legendary jockey, Bobby Stewart, a name you have read here many times.
Toy Stand. New Track Record. June 16, 1971. Bobby Stewart up.
Bobby’s idyllic night occurred on June 16, 1971. The 26-year-old Stewart rode in all eight races on the Wednesday night card, recording six wins and a second place finish.
Bob’s wins that evening:
- Race #1 – Stout Me ($7.50)
- Race #2 – Brozle ($5.50)
- Race #3 – Jumble Rhythm ($15.60)
- Race #5 – Toy Stand ($5.90)
- Race #6 – Willa Gray ($13.30)
- Race #8 – Sparrowhawk ($4.70)
Lost amid Bob’s flurry of trips to the winner’s circle was the fact his mount, Toy Stand equaled the track record for six furlongs. This was no small feat, as that record (1:10 2/5) stood for 15 years (September 19, 1958 to May 21, 1973) and during that period was equaled no less than six times.
As near as I was able to confirm, only three other jockeys managed to score six-baggers, and they aren’t necessarily who you might expect.
First up is Salvador Rodriquez, who at 33 went a perfect six-for-six on the nine-race card that took place on May 18, 1983. Yes it was another Wednesday, but Rodriquez didn’t have an easy time of it. He had to survive two claims of foul, as well as boot home two horses that paid more than $20. The 1984 season saw Rodriquez win top rider honours with a total of 126 victories.
Salvador Rodriguez went 6-for-6 at ASD on May 18, 1983.
Salvador’s wins came courtesy of:
- Race #1 – Brilliant Wish ($11.90)
- Race #2 – None Of The Above ($4.50)
- Race #5 – High Dusty ($4.50)
- Race #6 – Swordfish Dancer ($22.40)
- Race #7 – Kimmey Blue ($28.80)
- Race #8 – Sea Commander ($3.60)
A year later on August 8, 1984 Tom Adkins had his best night ever at the Downs when he too rode six winners. Tom’s effort came off seven mounts on the nine-race card, and of course you know it was another Wednesday night! Oddly enough Tom never managed to win a riding title in his years at the Downs, but he is one of only seven jockeys to win more than a 1,000 races at our local oval.
Tom’s winners that night:
- Race #2 – Winds in the Snow ($9.30)
- Race #3 – Foley’s Miss ($15.50)
- Race #4 – Gala Illusion ($5.50)
- Race #6 – Little Lease ($7.40)
- Race #7 – Mora Cudge ($10.30)
- Race #8 – Proven Reserve ($2.40)
Tom Adkins on his 6th winner of the night, Proven Reserve. August 8, 1984.
A search of the record books indicates that you have to skip forward to July 15, 2008 to find the fifth rider to score six wins on a single card. The final honouree is a man who won three riding titles at the Downs in 2006 (81 wins), 2007 (106 wins) and 2008 (107 wins).
The late Alan Cuthbertson, who had not quite tuned 61, rode six winners from eight mounts on the eight-race card. Not to mention, he also managed to post a second place finish!
Alan’s wins came aboard:
- Race #2 – NY Butterfly ($6.90)
- Race #3 – Trippin Star ($3.80)
- Race #5 – Step It Up ($6.30)
- Race #6 – Spying Eyes ($9.10)
- Race #7 – Polynesian Kitty ($3.00)
- Race #8 – Maccabi ($3.50)
I know what you’re thinking… Alan accomplished his feat on a Wednesday, right? Nope. There was no racing on Wednesday that week, so he did the next best thing. His sextet came on the Tuesday night card.
Alan Cuthbertson on his 4th of 6 winners, Spying Eyes. August 8, 2008.
As we close out this week’s peek at history, I have to mention that something freaky nearly happened this past Friday night. I had all but put the above column to bed when Chris Husbands launched his assault on the record books. In his effort to join the above group Chris had his own evening to remember.
Chris recorded five wins and two thirds from eight mounts. His game effort is a brief reminder of just how tough and special it is to string together six or more wins on a single night of racing.
And there you have it. Did I miss anyone? I hope not! One thing is for sure, this quintet of riders had their own special day at the races, where each can proudly boast…
♫♫ Oh what a night ♫♫
With apologies to the Four Seasons.