From 2010 to 2012, the racing world followed the success of the undefeated racehorse Frankel, one of the twenty first century’s most talented racehorses.
Five years have gone by since Frankel’s last race. The legendary champion has moved on to his second career as a stallion while his world renowned trainer, Sir Henry Cecil, has since passed away. But Frankel’s jockey in all 14 races, 33-year-old Tom Queally, continues on the path to success.
This week, Queally begins a new chapter in his racing life. The native of Ireland moved to The Bay Area earlier this month and will make his Golden Gate Fields debut in Race 1 on Thursday. His mount, the Tim McCanna trained Annisquam, is 7-5 on the morning line.
“I’m looking forward to this meet,” said Tom. “I’ve got nice rides to start out on. I’m hoping to make an impact and hoping to impress the people I ride for. I’m very happy with how things have gone so far.”
“I’ve been looking into it for the last 2 to 3 years,” continued Queally, when chatting about his thoughts on voyaging to America. “I’ve done my research and have watched as much U.S. racing as I have European. I’ve spoken to lots of people. One of the first things I did off the plane was walk the turf track here at Golden Gate. If it rides the way it walks, it will be a heck of a track.”
The son of Irish trainer Declan Queally is represented by agent Dennis Patterson, who says Tom has quickly attracted interest from many different trainers on the Golden Gate backstretch.
“He’s been working in the mornings for about a week,” said Patterson. “We’re hoping to put him on the right horses.”
This year, Queally has won three Group 1 races in Europe, including the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot with The Tin Man. In 2009, Queally won The Breeders Cup Filly and Mare Turf at Santa Anita aboard Midday. Other major victories include wins in The Champion Stakes, The 2,000 Guineas, The Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Anne.
“I’ve been extremely lucky,” said Tom when asked to reflect on his career. “I rode first call for Sir Henry Cecil for seven years. And getting to ride Frankel was…exceptional.”
When asked what it was like to ride the superhorse?
“It’d be like pulling you into the driver’s seat of a Ferrari, telling you to step on the gas pedal and hold on to the steering wheel,” answered Queally. “Everything about him was phenomenal. His looks, his demeanor, his talent, his speed, his stride…he was just head and shoulders better than anything I’ve ever seen or ridden against and I’ve ridden some good ones and ridden against some good ones.”
-30-