Thursday, April 19, 2001
Chris Antley Q&A
ABC Sports Online
NEW YORK -- Jockey Chris Antley conducted this Q&A before gunning for Triple Crown immortality aboard Charismatic at the Belmont Stakes in 1999. The jockey answered user questions at a picnic table just outside the paddock at Belmont Park. The moment he was finished, the upbeat Antley was immediately whisked away for an afternoon's worth of interviews with the national media.
But before the television crews grabbed him, Charismatic's jockey discussed a variety of topics with us, including the hardest part of his comeback to racing, Silverbulletday's entrance into the Belmont, and his thoughts on Microsoft stock.
|  | | Charismatic with Chris Antley crosses the finish line to win
the 124th Preakness at Pimlico Race Track in Baltimore, Maryland on May 15, 1999. |
1. What is your gut reaction to Charismatic drawing the four-post position for the Belmont Stakes?
Name: Sean Riordan
I'm real happy about it. Getting the four-post position is great. Anywhere between four through six is ideal, and one through six is fine. That is not to say that if I drew the 12 position, I would be unhappy. I don't think it's going to matter.
2. I've read a lot about Charismatic being an interesting animal. Any funny stories you can tell me that'll give me an inside view into Charismatic?
Name = David Humes
I don't know, we've only met twice (smiles). He's an underdog, just like I was coming into this season.
3. Did you ever want to give up during your comeback?
name = Lori Czmarko
Not really, but it was the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my life. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas was especially hard, I was close to ideal weight then but my body really broke down. I was in the mid 120-pound range and my knees were killing me from running all the time. Just walking was hard at that point. I had no cartilage in my right knee. I had to fine alternative means to running at the gym. But when I finally got back to the jockey's room last winter, it was my Triple Crown. I felt just as good at that moment as I had when I won the Kentucky Derby.
4.When you were at your highest weight, what was your routine to get back down to your regular riding weight?
name = Joaquin Jaime
I was running all morning, then hanging out at my sister's house for awhile, then I'd run in the afternoon, from 1-4. I ran about 25 miles a day. I didn't have much else to do.
5. What is your outlook on Microsoft stock and what do you think it will be at approximately at year's end?
name = Brett Devido
The more you bet, the more you'll get (smiles). I think it will be up and down this year. But unless Bill Gates passes away and nobody knows it, Microsoft will always be fine.
6. When racing plans are set up for the Belmont, will you & Mr. Lukas be mindful of any particular horse at this distance?
name = Kim Curtsinger
We will sit down and discuss a basic plan later today (Wednesday). The filly (Silverbulletday) looks strong during races that had a lesser distance, but I'd rather be in my position with Charismatic than in her position.
7. Are there currently any offers being made to purchase your life story rights to make it into a TV movie, book, or film?
name = Carolyn Adams
We haven't had any solid offers yet, but a lot of people have called. There have been movie deals discussed with all the major networks, but I still don't know about the details.
8. What makes Charismatic a Belmont horse?
name = Jenifer Rivers
The distance will not be a problem for him. He can go 1 1/2 miles. After we won at the Preakness, he still had a lot in him and looked as cool as a cucumber.
9. When do you plan to go full throttle ? Will you wait for the race to unfold, or will you make that move to be on top at the head of the stretch?
name = Michael Labas
The pace will be dictated early by others in the race. My colt has his own pace. I have a basic idea of how the race is going to go, but everything can change the moment we are out of the gate. The Belmont could be a whole different ball game than the other two races. I have looked at recent Belmont races, including the last two. It's more than homework. I want to know exactly what happened.
10. How do you feel about your chances of winning the Triple Crown?
name = Peter R. Eichele
I think we can get it done. Believe me, nobody wants this more. I have never felt more nervous, excited energy running through me in my entire life. I think the people of New York will be cheering for me. It should be a warm welcome, and I want to give back to New York and the sport by winning it.
But this has already been a great ride, if it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen.
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