By Martha Claussen for SureBet, photo by Coady Photography

Jockey Lindey Wade Finds Warm Reception in Texas

Maybe Lindey Wade had a crystal ball or was an astute observer of the Weather Channel. For the first time since he began riding in 2007, he decided to make a change and ride in Texas instead of the Chicago circuit. While relentless storms and record snowfall have tormented the Midwest, Wade enjoyed not only a few days in the 70s but a winning reception at Sam Houston Race Park. Through the first three weeks of the 2011 Sam Houston Thoroughbred meet, Wade has emerged as the leading rider, well liked and respected by his fellow riders, horsemen and fans.

From Louisiana to Illinois

Born in New Orleans, Wade began working American Quarter Horses for Heath Taylor when he was in high school. He transitioned to Thoroughbreds and made his professional debut at Louisiana Downs as a 16-year-old apprentice. He shipped his tack to Hawthorne Race Course and was off to a rousing start. However, a tragic event occurred on Nov. 30, 2007. His mount broke down, and Wade was taken to Loyola Hospital in Maywood, Ill. with a head injury. He was placed in an induced coma. With his family by his side and an outpouring of support from the Chicago racing community, the young rider made a miraculous recovery.

 It's no surprise to those who know Wade that he was able to come back stronger than ever. He is regarded as a nice young man, a hard worker, a very positive person and an overall good guy.

Solid Start at Sam Houston Race Park

 He decided to come to Texas in 2011, enticed by daily purses of $160,000 at Sam Houston Race Park and a respected agent, Monty Penny, who would work hard to put him on live mounts.

“I was optimistic, but didn't know what to expect,” said Wade. “My agent, Monty Penny, is a hard worker, and I'm a hard worker. You don't find that too often, a jock and an agent that are both on the same page. Sometimes it's one or the other.”

 The meet began on Jan. 21, and he won two races on opening night and added two stakes wins on Jan. 22, when the track hosted Texas Champions Day. He piloted Playgirl Prospect to victory in the $50,000 Bara Lass Stakes for 3-year-old fillies and Skip A Smile to a thrilling finish in the $50,000 Richard King Stakes over the Sam Houston turf course. Both winners were trained by Sam Houston veteran trainer Danny Pish, who was thrilled to unite with the talented newcomer to the jockey colony.

“Playgirl Prospect's racing style fit the 7-furlong distance,” said Pish.  “Lindey did a marvelous job. He's a very intelligent rider and does an outstanding job getting a horse to relax.”

 Articulate and poised, Wade did a great job with post-race interviews and gives credit where it is due. He also demonstrated his versatility as a rider in timing the closing kick of Skip A Smile in the mile and one-sixteenth turf stakes.

 “The key with him, because he is so big, was getting him to relax,” said Wade. “Two horses hooked up on the lead, and I got to sit off them and wait. When I dropped him, he exploded through there. Mr. Pish did a great job getting him ready.”

Horsemen Impressed with Riding Skills and Poise

Pish credits Wade's temperament and maturity as two of his most outstanding qualities. Other trainers, including Charles Hukill want to name Wade on their horses, but acknowledge that it is getting tougher to book the young rider.

 Hukill named the young rider on Island Bluff on Jan. 29. The 4-year-old filly, making her comeback after a six-month layoff, was dismissed by the betting public at odds of 10-1. Wade kept the Texas-bred close to the pace and engaged in a riveting stretch duel with Crook's Style, winning the head bob.

 “She just wouldn't quit,” Hukill said of his filly. “Lindey is a good kid, and boy, can he ride.”

“Everybody seems like they have taken a liking to me,” said Wade. “I'm pretty happy going guy; it's hard to make me mad. I just figured I had to show them I could ride.”

 There have been a few days when he has been shut out of the winner's circle, but you will still find Wade with a smile on his face and an upbeat outlook.

 “Sometimes you're the bug and sometimes you're the windshield,” quips the 20-year-old.

Houston Riding Title on the Horizon?

At the midpoint of the 27-day Sam Houston meeting, Wade holds a narrow lead over Quincy Hamilton and Chris Landeros, both of whom he considers close friends. While he hopes to win his first riding title, Wade will have to serve a four-day suspension ruled by the Hawthorne stewards for a riding infraction on Dec. 26.

“It's going to be difficult, as I will have to sit out four days to serve a suspension from Chicago,” commented Wade. “In a short meet, it will be tough, but if I come out on top, I'll be really happy. When I win a race, it makes me just want to work harder and push more and more. I don't like to slow down.”

Wade is confident, but far from egotistical. He credits his upbringing for instilling a solid work ethic and realistic approach to life and challenges.

 “Growing up, I wasn't the richest or the poorest,” recalled Wade. “I had what I needed, not what I wanted. Opportunity doesn't knock on your doorstep; you have to make it happen.”

Lone Star at Grand Prairie Next

Since 2007, Wade has ridden more than 2,800 horses, winning 302 races on mounts who have earned $5.1 million. He will head to Lone Star Park in April and will take on 2010 riding champion Landeros, who won 97 races at the Grand Prairie racetrack.

 “We're going to have to slim that down a bit,” Wade said with a grin. “I want a few of those.”

 Until the Sam Houston meet concludes on March 5, Wade will focus on winning races and continuing to create solid relationships with Texas horsemen. Of course, he will enjoy the sunshine, 60-degree temperatures and the absence of snow and ice.

 “I'm just happy I can get out there in comfortable gear and not bulk up,” Wade said. “In Chicago, it's always cold and the wind is so aggravating.”

 What about preparing for the heat and humidity he will encounter in June and July?

 "Texas heat doesn't scare me," Wade said. "I'm young; I'll adjust."

Martha Claussen has been prominent in the Texas racing industry since 1997 as a publicist, writer and handicapper.