From the 2018
Champion
“
Sometimes the smallest steps in the
right direction end up being the biggest
steps of your life. Tiptoe if you must, but
take a step.” Author -Naeem Callaway
Spring time calls for early mornings,
getting horses prepped and ready to
head for the race track in Emerald
Downs, Auburn, Washington. Up at
5:00am each morning to feed and
clean horses, that’s how Mathew
Pakootas Jr, 2018 Champion at the
Championship of Champions, has
been starting his mornings for the
past 2 months, riding for owners;
Preston Boyd, Edward Marchand
& Carol Seymour.
Working 12 horses, along with
riding his bike after working
horses is how young jockey
Mathew has been getting in
shape for the 2019 relay rac-
ing season. Mathew has had
the privilege to meet new
trainers & jockeys at Em-
erald. JC, a 56 year old
jockey, has been Matt’s in-
spiration; with a different
outlook on life & racing.
With this being Matt’s longest time away from home
& his family, his mind frame on every aspect of life
has changed in a very positive way. “Matt is always
reminding his little brother to do good in school, and
always listen to his parents. Mathews summer goal
is to help his little brother Kam get his own junior
relay team started. He is Kam’s biggest inspiration
and role model in life,” says mom Carrie
Be silly, be fun, be different, be
“ crazy,
be you, because life is too
short to be anything but happy,
”
Mathew.
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