January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Whited becomes youngest champion
Whited becomes youngest champion
The youngster would have been more than happy to kit up for Hamilton Parish, but with no youth football this past fall he turned his attention to pony racing. It was a natural fit as his dad, Charles Whited, is a harness driver.
So Thomas, 14, leased a pony no one else thought worthy to race and by season's end had become the youngest person to win the Champion of Champions.
How didyou feel to win with Shady's Townsend?
I'm very, very happy. I didn't think I was going to win it at first, but then when I went to the qualifying rounds I felt very confident.
What gave you that confidence?
When he went around a pony that no one had ever gotten past before. That gave me the confidence?
What did you dad say to you after you won?
He was very happy and he put his arm around me and gave me a hug.
What made you decide to get into pony racing this year?
Since there was no football, I decided to take up a new hobby. I really liked horses so I got into it. I used to play for Hamilton Parish. I'm not going to play football anymore.
How did you decide to race Shady's Townsend?
I was going to race a young filly, but she poked her eye out so we had to put her down. Our stablemate, Jason Lopes, owned the horse we have now and he said 'Well, look, since he doesn't have a pony, you can have this one. I'll lease it to you'.
How did you do in your very first race with Shady's Townsend?
At first I felt like I was going a million miles per hour and I thought I was going to win every race, but my first two races I came fourth.
What did you learn from losing?
I had to hold the horse with snug reins and when I make my move, I have to ease him out and not yuck on the reins because I ended up losing time doing it that way.
How much did your dad help you throughout the season?
I learned a lot from him. Every race day we'd have a plan. I'd go to him and ask what the plan is for that race and he'd give me an idea of what I should do?
Besides your dad, who else do you listen to for advice?
My brother, because he always says smart things and helps me make good decisions.
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