Edited press release
Jockey Gary Boulanger, whose many career highlights include a win at the Queen’s Plate, has decided to call it a career.
“It’s the right time,” Boulanger, 55, told Woodbine Communications. “I don’t feel like I have anything left to prove. I am so grateful to all the trainers, owners and my fellow riders for their support. Like anyone who rides, there are a lot of ups and downs, but you always find a way to persevere.”
The Alberta native was inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2020 and enjoyed great success in a career marked by devastating injuries. He overcame back problems that required extensive surgery in the late 1990s and returned in 2005 from an eight-year absence triggered by an accident at Gulfstream that resulted in life-threatening injuries.
No one believed he would ever ride again, including Boulanger.
But after picking up horses for champion trainer Mark Casse, he rode his first race in eight years at Tampa Bay Downs in 2013. He achieved his first victory after the accident on a Casse horse.
Returning to the saddle gave me a new perspective on the sport.
“I felt more in tune with the horses and had a stronger connection with them than ever before. And it was a great feeling.”
As was the feeling Boulanger got when he brought a horse back into the winner’s circle.
His two greatest highlights came at Woodbine.
In June 2000, Boulanger moved to the Toronto oval and teamed with Dancethruthedawn (Mr. Prospector) to win the 2001 Queen’s Plate and Woodbine Oaks.
In 2017, Boulanger received the Avelino Gomez Memorial Award.
Boulanger, whose son Brandon also rides, retires with 3,685 career wins and $83,543,336 in prize money.
“I’m not entirely sure what’s next, but I love the horses, the horse people and the sport,” said Boulanger, who also has a 3-year-old son, Cristian, with his wife, Jennifer Petricca. “I want to stay involved with racing, so we’ll see what happens. Right now I want to spend time with my family and reflect on how lucky I was to be a jockey. To everyone who has supported me…I can’t thank you enough.”
“Gamer. Introvert. Problem solver. Creator. Thinker. Lifelong food evangelist. Alcohol advocate.”