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| Umberto Rispoli in Toronto - August 2012 |
Now who said Horse Racing wasn't a sexy Sport? Meet handsome Italian Champion Jockey Umberto Rispoli, making a super-rare appearance at Toronto's Woodbine Racetrack earlier today to ride German import Scalo (GB). The five-year-old Horse quite possibly could be using today's sharp third-place finish in the Sky Classic Stakes as a springboard to Canada's richest race, the $1.5-million Pattison Woodbine International this October.
24-year-old Rispoli arrived in Toronto Saturday from Deauville, France where he is based this season after a successful campaign prior in Hong Kong which included a win in their most important race, the Queen Elizabeth II Cup aboard Japanese Star, Rulership.
Dressed sharply in a Suit, Rispoli was easily identifiable heading-off to Pearson International Airport for an eight-hour flight back to France, stopping to shake my hand and pose for a quick Snap Surprisingly, this Fan of Lady Gaga and Pitbull's English is perfect. Woodbine Commentator Dawn Lupul Tweets me about her meeting the talented Rider saying, "Very nice young man and thankfully his English is better than my Italian!".
Incredible honour. Hoping he'll be back again in October!
Learn more about Rispoli on his official website here.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W. | Video credit: Woodbine Entertainment Group)