New Kid in Town: Jockey Mike James at Santa Anita

Apprentice Jockey Mike James with his agent, George Ortuzar, at Santa Anita.

Mike James and his agent, George Ortuzar, were out early Friday morning at Clockers' Corner, where I had a chance to chat with them for a few minutes. James graduated from Chris McCarron's North American Racing Academy in Kentucky in 2008 -- in the first graduating class. He has since ridden at Turfway (where he won his first race), Keeneland, and most recently in Northern California.

A native of Southern California, James recently moved back to his family home in Glendora. In discussing his experience at the racing academy, James explained that he had never been on a horse before arriving at McCarron's school, but he has always enjoyed participating in extreme sports including skateboarding and snowboarding. He currently rides with a 7-lb. apprentice allowance, and we wish him lots of success riding at the Santa Anita meet!