Jockey agent Vince DeGregory celebrates 90th birthday
DEL MAR, Calif. – An emotional Vince DeGregory was honored by more than 60 members of the Del Mar backstretch community on Sunday morning, a day before the legendary jockey agent’s 90th birthday.
DeGregory was visibly touched by the brief ceremony, held under palm trees adjacent to the backstretch racing office.
“I’ve been one of the lucky ones in the game,” he told the group of well-wishers. “There’s nothing like being with great people who give their lives to the horses.
“I’m happy to be part of the game. I don’t deserve all the accolades.”
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Actually, there are quite a few reasons to celebrate DeGregory’s career and longevity. A fixture in Southern California for decades, DeGregory began his career as an agent in the 1960s and represented riders at tracks throughout the East before moving to California.
At times, DeGregory represented such Hall of Fame riders such as Angel Cordero Jr., Victor Espinoza, Chris McCarron, Darrel McHargue, Laffit Pincay Jr., Bill Shoemaker, Alex Solis, Jacinto Vasquez, and Jorge Velazquez.
Earlier this century, DeGregory booked mounts on behalf of Joel Rosario as his career was rising in California. These days, DeGregory has a constant presence at Clocker’s Corner at Santa Anita or patrolling the Del Mar stable area in a golf cart.