Calvin Borel, Terry Thompson to Appear at GCL Racing Program

Three time Kentucky Derby winning jockey Calvin Borel, along with Arkansas Derby winner Terry Thompson and some of Oaklawn’s best riders will appear at the Garland County Library, 1427 Malvern Ave., March 1^st at noon. The event is part of a continuing series of lunchtime discussions about racing at Oaklawn Park.

“We had a great turnout for last week’s discussion about the history of Oaklawn, so I’m sure people will be as excited as I am to learn more about the life of a jockey. We’re thrilled that these guys are taking time out of their hectic schedules to come visit with us,” John Wells, Library Director, said.

“I like riding at Oaklawn. It has always been a lucky track for me,” Borel has said.

Borel reached both his 3,000^th win and 4,000^th win milestone at Oaklawn Park. Borel grew up in Louisiana and started riding at bush tracks as a child. He earned the nickname “Bo-rail” for his courage taking horses through tight spots along the inside.

Terry Thompson, a Nebraska native, has scored over 2500 wins, including the 2003 Arkansas Derby on Sir Cherokee.

“This is a lunch time event, so people are encouraged to bring a bag lunch, but it’s not required. Time permitting, the jockeys have agreed to sign some autographs, so if people have memorabilia they want signed, they should bring it,” Wells said.

Due to limited seating, registration is required. To register or for more information, call the Garland County Library at 623-4161 or 922-4483. For a list of upcoming events in this series, visit the “Happening Here” page at http://www.garland.lib.ar.us/.