FIVE-TIME RIDING CHAMPION
RICKY FRAZIER HOPES FOR RETURN

AUBURN, Wash. (Nov. 28) – Ricky Frazier recently attended school in Kentucky for prospective stewards and racing officials. And yes, Emerald Downs' five-time leading jockey said he envisions himself in a stewards' booth in the not too distant future.

But according to Frazier, the suit and tie won't replace the white pants and black boots for a while yet. Frazier, 47, said he attended stewards' school while awaiting medical clearance to resume his riding career, clearance he expects to get before Emerald Downs begins its 2012 season in April.

“I took the course (Nov. 9-16) at the University of Louisville, and it went really well,” Frazier said. “But (being a steward) is for when my riding days are over.”

Frazier has ridden 3,490 winners in a 30-year career that includes Emerald Downs' titles in 2004, '06, '07, '09 and '10, and Longacres Mile victories on Flamethrowintexan in 2006 and Noosa Beach in 2010. He missed the entire 2011 meeting, however, and continues to be sidelined by the effects of a fractured skull he suffered in a fall at Fresno, Calif. on Oct. 17, 2010. The after effects included headaches, dizziness and disorientation, and neurologists advised Frazier against riding.

Frazier appeared riding fit when visiting Emerald Downs last summer, and said he feels even better now.

“The plan is to be cleared by March 1,” he said, “and then get up to Emerald Downs for the start of the season.”

Ricky Frazier
Born: July 23, 1964
Residence: Hot Springs, Ark.

Career Mounts: 25,443 1st: 3,490 2nd: 3,260 3rd: 3,099 E: $42,426,343

At Emerald Downs
2010—Wins: 114 (1st) Stakes wins: 10 (1st)
2009—Wins: 155 (1st) Stakes wins: 11 (1st)
2008—Wins: 117 (2nd) Stakes wins: 7 (1st-tie)
2007—Wins: 157*(1st) Stakes wins: 12 (1st)
2006—Wins: 88 (1st) Stakes wins: 8 (1st)
2005—Wins: 107 (2nd) Stakes wins: 10 (1st)
2004—Wins: 109 (1st) Stakes wins: 8 (1st)
2002—Wins: 39 (10th) Stakes wins 6 (4th)
*track record