Canadian jockey Landry announces retirement

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Robert Landry, one of most successful and respected riders in Canadian racing, has retired after a 29-year career.

Landry, a 48-year-old native of Toronto, recorded 2,045 victories from 17,656 rides, and his mounts earned nearly $70 million. He captured the 2004 Queen’s Plate for Chiefswood Stable aboard Niigon and recently became the racing manager for Chiefswood.

“It was a hard decision, because I love riding and it’s been my life,” Landry said. “But to have this opportunity to work for the people I won a Queen’s Plate with is truly special. It keeps me involved in the game.”

Landry said an intestinal infection led to his decision to retire.

“Last year, I got that infection, and a lot of it was due to eating habits,” Landry said. “I’ve always eaten healthy, but being a rider and trying to maintain weight, you’re always dehydrated and you’re not eating three square meals a day. You don’t have the proper amounts of fluids and food in your system. I feel great now. I’m 100 percent.”

Landry was voted the Sovereign Award for Canada’s top jockey in 1993 and 1994. He was Woodbine’s leading rider in 1994.

Landry won the 1999 Atto Mile by disqualification aboard Quiet Resolve and captured the Woodbine Oaks three times. He also won the Grade 1 Alabama in 2009 on Careless Jewel and the Grade 2 Molly Pitcher in 1994 on Hey Hazel.

Landry was presented with the Avelino Gomez Memorial Award for significant contributions to the sport in 2003, the same day he won the Woodbine Oaks with Too Late Now.