By Jim Nichols.
Although any jockey would take Triple Crown or Breeders’ Cup victories, they’re not required for an accomplished career. Case in point – Deshawn Parker. Parker, a two-time United States Champion, has tallied more than 6,000 career wins. He’s not only one of 21 jockeys to reach the milestone, he’s also the winningest African-American in history. “I’ve always been the type to worry about what I did when I’m done and focus on what I have in front of me,” said Parker, who at 5’10” is one of the tallest active jockeys. “I’m just going to keep trying to win races for the time being.” “His win total is amazing, as is his longevity,” said Joe Kristufek, TwinSpires racing analyst. “He's a good dude and I'm always rooting for him.” Parker grew up around Latonia Race Track, now Turfway Park, where his father Daryl was an outrider. When the day was done, Deshawn always received a special treat. “After races were over, he’d always put me on the pony,” he said. “I thought it was the best thing ever.” At 53, Parker shows no signs of slowing down. He still races as often as he can and works horses most mornings. A busy schedule doesn’t leave much time to eat, which often limits him to one meal a day. Despite his height, maintaining weight has never been much of a challenge. “The older I get, the easier it is,” he said. “I’ve always been a skinny person anyway.” But all that activity doesn’t come without risks. In June 2023, Parker suffered four fractures in his pelvis and a break of his tailbone in a pre-race accident at Horseshoe Indiana. Earlier this year, the saddle slipped during morning training at Fair Grounds, which resulted in a broken hip. But, as always, he’s back in the saddle again. “Deshawn is a cool customer on and off the racetrack and I think being so even-keeled has allowed him to handle the ups and downs and daily grind of being a jockey,” Kristufek said. “Even later in his career, Deshawn has bounced back from injury and returned to form.” Although he has no plans to retire anytime soon, Parker’s considered following in the footsteps of his father, who was the first African-American racing steward. He’s also thought about becoming an agent once racing silks are a thing of the past. “I have lots of options,” he said. As for now, those thoughts are nowhere close to the finish line. “I know it’s coming, but I don’t really think about it,” Parker said. “I’m still winning, so I’m going to keep going.”