Hastings: Gryder to ride first call for owner Glen Todd

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Jockey Aaron Gryder has agreed to be first-call rider for owner Glen Todd at the Hastings meet that begins Saturday, April 13.

Gryder is currently based at Santa Anita. He began his career in 1987 and since then his mounts have earned more than $112 million. His biggest win came aboard Well Armed in the $6 million Dubai World Cup 2009.

“Surround yourself with winners, and you get the results you are looking for,” Gryder said. “Mr. Todd is a winner not only at the track but in everything he does. He sought after my services, and after giving it a lot of thought, I decided to ride for him at Hastings. I am looking forward to riding there.”

Todd, who races under the stable name North American Thoroughbred Horse Company, set a record by winning 18 stakes races at Hastings last year. His horses are trained by Troy Taylor, and they have dominated the trainer and owner standings since 2007. Mario Gutierrez was their main rider until last year, when they urged Gutierrez to make a name for himself in Southern California.

“With Gutierrez staying in California, we wanted a top-notch rider that we could call on throughout the season,” Todd said.

Gryder is expected to arrive in Vancouver this Sunday.