Rising to the Top: Lessons from Legendary Jockey Sandy Hawley
Rising to the Top: Lessons from Legendary Jockey Sandy Hawley
Few athletes have reached the pinnacle of their sport while staying grounded, humble, and kind. Sandy Hawley, one of Canada’s greatest jockeys, shows that talent alone isn’t enough—it’s dedication, adaptability, and character that define a champion.
Start at the Foundation
Sandy didn’t jump straight into fame. He lived in a tack room, groomed horses, and rode morning workouts.
“Living in the tack room was my favorite part. It made every win so meaningful,” he recalls.
It was tough work, seven days a week, but it gave him a deep understanding of the horses, the grooms, and the rhythm of the track. Those early days shaped not just his skills, but his character.
Learn from the Best
Sandy rode alongside legends like Bill Shoemaker and Laffit Pincay Jr., and he learned by watching them closely.
“Shoemaker hardly moved on a horse and got so much out of it. I adjusted my riding to be quieter and more in rhythm,” Sandy says.
He adapted his style, observed every detail, and absorbed as much knowledge as possible—learning by doing and by watching the masters.
Discipline and Humility
Riding top horses meant long days, early mornings, and constant preparation. Yet Sandy’s approach was always grounded in humility.
“I never came off a horse and said this horse should go somewhere else. I was very classy, and people noticed.”
Even at the height of his career, he remembered the importance of kindness, respect, and professionalism.
Facing Setbacks
Injuries are part of any athlete’s journey. For Sandy, a severe accident sidelined him for eight months, leaving him to rebuild his career from scratch.
“You can’t hold grudges. Hold your head high, work hard, and slowly, people start noticing you again,” he explains.
Resilience, persistence, and patience were key to reclaiming his place among the best.
Balance and Perspective
Even while competing at the top, Sandy found ways to stay balanced. He worked in the LA Kings’ penalty box and engaged in charitable causes, showing that life beyond the track mattered too.
“It was fun, exciting, and a great way to clear my head from racing,” he remembers.
The Joy of Winning
For Sandy, every victory was meaningful. It wasn’t just about the race—it was about the grooms, trainers, owners, and the community that supported him.
“Being in the winner’s circle never got old,” he says with a smile.
Advice for Aspiring Jockeys
Sandy shares advice that resonates beyond racing:
Work hard and stay disciplined.
Be confident—your energy affects outcomes.
Learn from the best and adapt.
Treat everyone with respect.
See setbacks as part of growth.
“Be strong in everything and feel like you’re as good as anyone else out there,” he says.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Sandy Hawley’s career is proof that greatness isn’t just about winning—it’s about the journey, the people you meet along the way, and the integrity you carry with you.
He reminds us that success is built on skill, heart, and humility, and that the lessons learned along the climb to the top are just as important as the view from the summit.
