Thorpedo Anna Much the Best in 150th Kentucky Oaks
Getting to Know Drayden Van Dyke
Pop CultureDrayden Van Dyke is in the midst of a breakout year as one of Thoroughbred racing’s rising star jockeys. The 23-year-old enters Del Mar’s final race day of its summer meet with a three-win lead over Flavien Prat in the rider standings (40 to 37), and also leads all jockeys in earnings with a total of $2,585,857. On Aug. 18, he tied a Del Mar record with seven wins on a single racecard. Van Dyke, a native of Louisville, Ky., who began his professional career in 2013, recently participated in a Q&A with America’s Best Racing (follow him on Twitter):
My introduction to horse racing occurred when:
I started to visit my father during summer break from school when I was about 12.
What I like about Thoroughbred racing:
There’s a lot I like! But the friends and family you gain in the racetrack community is special.
How I became a jockey:
A LOT of hard work and dedication, and I was given a special opportunity to learn at Glen Hill Farm how to break babies (young racehorses).
Favorite place at the racetrack to watch a race:
When I’m in front of everyone on my horse, and I look at the screen in the infield to see how far in front I am.
Should the Breeders’ Cup rotate from coast-to-coast or have a permanent home:
I don’t care where it is – I just want to ride in it as much as I can!
My top three favorite racetracks in order:
Del Mar, Santa Anita Park, Keeneland.
Most influential person/people in my career:
My dad, Tom Proctor, Mike Smith, Gary Stevens.
My out-of-the-box idea for Thoroughbred racing:
Having an indoor arena racetrack.
Other sports/teams I follow:
Golf.
Favorite athletes of all time:
Bruce Lee, Bill Shoemaker.
What books I am reading or have recently read:
All I read is the Daily Racing Form!
Favorite magazines:
BloodHorse.
Hobbies away from Thoroughbred racing:
Golf, working out, basketball.
Favorite movies:
Pulp Fiction, Seabiscuit, Step Brothers, Talladega Nights.
Favorite television shows I watch:
“Snowfall,” “The Price Is Right.”
Favorite foods:
Salmon, almonds, avocado, fruits, frozen grapes!
Favorite vacation spot:
Del Mar!
Favorite musicians/bands:
Drake, Migos, Travis Scott, Wiz Khalifa.
Favorite actor:
Will Ferrell.
Top websites I visit daily:
Twitter, Instagram, Stadium Goods, Mr. Porter, Equibase, Snapchat.
I’d like to have dinner with the following three people inside racing (who I have never dined with):
Todd Pletcher, D. Wayne Lukas, Britney Eurton.
I’d like to have dinner with the following three people outside of racing (who I have never dined with):
Kevin Hart, Will Ferrell, Warren Buffett.
The best racetrack food can be found at:
Keeneland, Oaklawn Park, Santa Anita Park.
Accomplishment I am most proud of:
Seven wins in one racecard at Del Mar.
My philosophy on life:
Every day is not promised, so live and love life and the people around you.
Things I collect:
Shoes and clothes.
Favorite charities:
Permanent Disabled Jockeys Fund.
Favorite animal other than a horse:
Dogs (see below).
My pets are:
A dog named Gucci.
Favorite non-Thoroughbred racing sports event I have attended:
Ryder Cup.
Three words that define what Thoroughbred racing means to me:
Living My Dream.
Favorite top three fashion brands I prefer to wear:
Gucci, Valentino, Adidas.
Favorite month of the year:
May (the first Saturday of).
What apps are on my phone:
YouTube, Zillow, Horse Races NOW, Golf Now, Postmates.
If I could pick walk-up music that would play when I enter the paddock, the song would be:
“Walk It, Talk It” by Migos.
Favorite all-time racehorse:
Favorite international racing event:
Royal Ascot.
Three ways to attract more fans to the sport:
1) Better advertisements on regular television.
2) Continue to have fun events at racetracks to attract a younger crows.
3) Better social media outlets.