Each month we’ll take a trip to the backstretch and visit with a different jockey or trainer. For this issue, the focus is on Sheldon Russell, one of the new wave of talented young jockeys on the NYRA scene. Born in Louisiana, and raised in South Africa and England, this 21-year-old apprentice rider is making quite a name for himself on the New York circuit. Through two months of the Aqueduct winter meet, Russell is hovering around the top five jockeys in terms of wins.

Sheldon is single and currently lives in Garden City, NY.

Q: You were born in Louisiana, but were raised in South Africa and England. Tell the fans about your background growing up.

My parents are both South African, and they came to Louisiana on a working visa. While they were in the United States, I was born, and shortly thereafter we moved back to South Africa.  When I was 9, my parents got divorced. At that point, my mom, along with my two sisters and I, moved over to England.

Q: How did you first get involved with horses?

Even though my father was a jockey in South Africa, I really didn’t get interested in horse racing until the age of 14 or so. Two years after my mom and sisters went to England, my dad came over from South Africa as well. At first he worked at Newmarket as an assistant to [legendary English trainer] Sir Michael Stoute, and then he helped out Ed Dunlop, who trains Shadwell’s English contingent. Over the weekends, I would go and help my dad out at Newmarket, and that really helped nurture my interest in the sport.

After I finished high school at the age of 16, I enrolled in the British Racing School. It involves an instruction course and hands-on experience at the stables. And if you progress enough, you can become a jockey. That was really the first formal training that I received.

Q: Did you have any heroes in horseracing as a kid?

Kieran Fallon is a great jockey that I enjoyed watching while growing up.

Q: When did you come to the United States, and what factored into the decision?

After I got my license and became an apprentice in England, I picked up a win, along with a few seconds and thirds. In 2006, the plan was for me to spend three months in the United States. My dad had set up a job for me with Michael Dickinson at Tapeta Farm in Maryland. It was during those three months that I really learned a lot about race riding. From judging pace to switching leads, Michael pretty much taught me everything. He was a real mentor to me.

Q: What happened after your three months with Michael Dickinson were over?

After the three months were over, Michael gave me a speech and told me that he thought it would be good for me to come back to the United States. I returned to England for three months, but eventually decided that I wanted to go back to the States and work for Michael. I mainly breezed horses for him. He stressed patience to me and said that I had a lot to learn.

In early 2007, he sent me to Palm Meadows (in Florida) to help out with his horses, which was a great experience. While I was there, I had the privilege to ride Street Sense (2007 Derby winner) in the mornings for Carl Nafzgar, which was amazing.

Q: When did you get your chance to consistently ride in races?

Michael had let me ride some horses here and there at Laurel, Pimlico, and a few other tracks, but it wasn’t until the Colonial meet in June 2007 that I really got going. That was when I acquired a jockey agent and began picking up race mounts on a consistent basis.

Q: Do you remember your first win? What was that like?

My first win came on July 17, 2007. It was my twentieth mount at Colonial and I was on a 5-year-old mare named Prone that was almost 12/1. It was very fitting as she was trained by an Englishman and the jockey silks had the English flag on them!

Q: Shortly after starting at Laurel Park as a 20-year-old in 2007, you had an amazing day with five wins. Describe that day.

That came in October and was quite a thrill, especially since my dad had flown in from England for a two-week vacation! During his stay, I had something like 15 wins. Up until that point, he had not even seen me ride in a race. Needless to say it was a very special time.

Q: This year you won the Laurel Park apprentice riding title. That must have been a real thrill.

Laurel was an excellent place for me to start out. My experience there helped me build a lot of confidence.

Q: How did you decide to come to the New York circuit?

The opportunity arose to come here and I couldn’t pass it up. So far I have really been enjoying myself!

Q: The Aqueduct jockey colony is filled with young, talented riders, maybe more so than ever. What is the mood like in the jocks’ room?

It’s a very helpful and professional atmosphere. We all go out of our way to help each other out, and we all congratulate one another when we win. In addition, the older riders do a great job of helping us out and telling us what we’re doing wrong.

Q: Because of your apprentice status (aka. The bug), your horses get a five-pound weight break. Are you concerned about losing mounts when you lose the bug?

It’s certainly something that you think about, but I’m just going to keep working hard and believe that my agent and I can keep the momentum going.

Q: Do you have hopes of going back to the UK to ride someday, or do you think you’ll stay here for a while?

I’m definitely going to be in the United States for the long haul.

Q: Most of the racing overseas takes place on the turf. What are the differences, as a jockey, between racing strategy on the dirt versus the turf?

The turf racing in England is very different than it is here in the States. Overseas you have uphill courses, downhill courses, right-handed courses, left-handed courses, and so on. Over here the courses are mainly flat and are run in one direction (left-handed). Because of that, the turf racing here is more about pace, and the break is much more important. In England, you have more time to make decisions during races.

In terms of dirt racing, one of the hardest aspects for me to get used to was maneuvering the goggles. On the turf, since there isn’t a lot of kickback, you don’t have to worry about that as much. But on the dirt you need to be good at quickly putting on multiple pairs of goggles during a race. Also, the styles that are successful on the dirt can change on a daily basis. As a jockey, you must always watch the races to get a sense of how the track is playing.

Q: What are your major goals?

So far I really like New York, so I would like to stay here as long as possible. In terms of my next career milestone, I’d like to get 200 wins.

Q: Would you rather win the Kentucky Derby, the English Derby, or the Arc de Triomphe?

That would have to be the Kentucky Derby.

Q: Are there any of the New York riders that you particularly admire?

One of the riders I really look up to is Ramon Dominguez, and I would love to become more like him, both on and off the track. He is an extremely smart rider who is patient during races. I’ve seen him take very headstrong horses and get them to settle on the lead. That’s a skill that I would love to have. In addition, Ramon is a quiet, humble person, and a great role model.

Q: Are there any up-and-coming horses you are excited to ride?

I rode a 3-year-old colt for Kiaran McLaughlin named Tranquil Manner that broke his maiden very impressively at Aqueduct. Hopefully he will continue to improve.

Q: What is your routine each day before you ride in the afternoon?

Most mornings I work out horses in the backstretch. After that I have a pretty set exercise routine that normally lasts about an hour. I run on the treadmill for 20 minutes, I bike for 20 minutes, and then I’ll do a mix of a cardiovascular workout, boxing, and weights. I prefer to exercise as opposed to going in the hot box. That way, I’m building muscle as opposed to losing it. I’ll usually have some wheat toast with jelly after my workout.

Q: Is it a problem for you to stay at the assigned weight?

With the exercise routine that I keep, it’s not a big problem for me. And in addition to my five days at Aqueduct, I usually ride a sixth day at Philadelphia Park, which also helps keep my weight down.

Q: What is your favorite part of being a jockey?

I love riding horses. It’s great to know that you can enjoy your job and get paid at the same time. I also love going out in the morning on the horses. Also, being part of the sport is quite a thrill. It’s a great feeling when the fans are congratulating you after a race.

Q: What are the most important traits for a successful jockey to have?

I think it’s very important to retain your humility. You can’t get carried away with the money aspect of the business. In addition, you must stay aware that there’s always someone behind you ready to take your job, so you have to keep improving and never stop learning.