Garcia moves tack to Woodbine for 2015

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Patrick Husbands and Luis Contreras had quite the battle atop the Woodbine jockey standings toward the end of last season, but they might have some company this season as former New York jockey Alan Garcia joins the Woodbine colony this year.

Garcia, a winner of 1,449 career races, recently has been riding on the Kentucky circuit while also spending the summers at Saratoga. Garcia said he’s fully committed to Woodbine for the duration of the 2015 season.

“My agent [Anthony Esposito] did an excellent job getting me set up here,” he said. “It’s a good colony, there are good races, and there are good horses here at Woodbine. The trainers have treated me very well so far.”

Garcia has recorded just three wins in 32 prior starts at Woodbine but said he has enjoyed racing here in the past.

“My horses have always run well when I’ve come here,” he said. “[Woodbine has] a beautiful turf course and a nice Polytrack. I’m looking forward to this meet.”

Garcia said he’s spent the past five months riding in races in Saudi Arabia and is in good shape for the 133-day meet. Garcia had mounts in 13 of the 20 races set for opening weekend.

“I hope everything works out well,” Garcia said. “With a little bit of luck, hopefully I can have a couple of winners.”