Hawthorne Racecourse (12/23/11)
Contact: Ron Uchman
(708) 780-3700
Bidding A Fond Farewell to Tanner Riggs
Celtic Express in the ninth race on Friday was, quite possibly, the last riding engagement in the career of Tanner Riggs. Tanner announced that he would be retiring after Friday’s card.
Though not a real secret, we knew for a couple of weeks. Mr. Riggs really didn’t want any fanfare and chose to leave quietly.
Tanner has been fighting weight problems for the last couple of years, he is about 5’ 11”, and the fight started taking its toll. But, he is a superb rider and was always able to get that little something extra from his mounts. Plus, he’s one of the nicest guys you would ever want to meet.
He’s leaving at the top of his game, again finishing in the top 10 in the jockey race. He won a race on his last day.
He is young but smart and wisely invested in land and livestock in South Dakota.
One caveat: we did mention “quite possibly” earlier. Tanner will try to get his weight under control. Several weeks off won’t hurt.
But, in any case, we wish him good luck.
