Retired Horse Jockey interview-Billy 

You gave this man _joy_ by letting him relive his glory days, Mark. His enthusiasm says it all.

I didn’t move a muscle I was listening so closely!! This was better than alot of movies I’ve seen !! What a treat to us equestrians!!!! Thank you Mark !! Best vid I’ve ever seen on any channel !!!! And thank you to Billy to the true equestrian and gentlemen that you are !!! ❤️🐴❤️

Billy is a family friend and I’ve hung out with him a few times , he’s a genuine dude and he literally would tell stories all day , miss u Billy

The pure joy on Billy's face when he is telling his racing stories is so wonderful! He deserves every accolade he has ever gotten!!

Really old school, a real privilage to listen to him, what an amazing mind set. He was so willing to help his mum by working, as a 8 year old, unheard of, God bless you Billy.

I just realized something watching these SWU videos. These “regular” people’s lives are just as, if not more interesting, than so called celebrity personalities. I’m really glad I found your channel.

One of the best interviews yet! This man can tell a story! He had it in him to be winner! Thank you, Mark!

I used to pony at the track in Los Alamitos. Ive had the pleasure of meeting Billy a few times and he's a true gentleman and every bit as genuine in person. It's an honor. He is one of the greatest showman in the horse racing world. 🏇🏼And away they go...

This guy is a national treasure. What a pleasure to hear his story, his true, American story. This is an example of living the American dream.

Mark hardly said 20 words! Billy took the reins and ran with his story. Respect to you Billy♥️

Please bring Billy back for a 2nd interview. He is fascinating and must have had an interesting life after he was injury retired in '87.

I watch most of the videos on this channel. This is the first one that choked me up and brought tears to my eyes. It didn’t happen out of sadness, but out of pure joy. This man didn’t waste life. He worked hard, he was respectful, he had a dream, and he pursued it. He chose his trade and became one of the best at it. What a remarkable story. I hope Billy speaks to at risk teens and schools. He is the epitome of the American dream. God bless you, Billy. Thank you for brightening my day.

love how Billy Winland respected and cared for his mother. He learned to control and ride horses very young. Such a brave man with a sense of responsibility who worked very hard. Enjoyed this interview with an admirable athlete young people can admire. I could listen to this man speak all day. Fantastic subject.

WOW JUST WOW he gave me chills when he leaned forward and showed how he'd grab the horses head and pull it up and down to help it run. I had no idea that's what they did I thought they were just holding on and the horse was moving its head all by itself. Billy is an incredible story teller.

I LOVE how he described the way he was a racerider not just a jockey but a part of the horse. Man I would of loved to see him ride.

I can't tell you just how much I loved listening to Billy. My Dad passed 25 years ago and he was a huge horse racing fan. I grew up in So Cal going to Los Alamitos with him to watch the buggy races. He didn't take me to Santa Anita, but he went there regularaly too. Shoemaker was his favorite jockey and I used to hear all about him. My dad studied the stats in the racing forms like it was a science. He had charts on these horses. Serious horse fan. I wish he was here to hear Billy's interview. Thank you

EXTRAORDINARY! Mark you have a true gift for inviting the most amazing willing storytellers. As a life-long horse lover this was such a treat for me.

This is what happens when you have an incredible mother. RIP

Rest in peace to this man's mother, his love and respect for her is palpable.

What a wonderful man. Such an inspiration. Great story teller.

What a great storyteller, I could listen to this guy for hours. His life is truly from Rags to Riches and his wealth lies in his heart. Rest in peace to his dear Mother. Like you said he's truly a go-getter. I'm 4 foot 11 with the 6-foot attitude as well. I really enjoyed this interview.

As a horse person, I felt this shit. In the horse racing world - these little guys are giants. They way he described being one with the horse, knowing how to help and when, watching the world unfold-with a goal for you and your horse in your mind.. and finding success together is like touching heaven while still on earth. The torture these athletes go through is mostly unknown, but they do it out of pure love and passion. It’s not just the win and glory they want, it’s the will to touch God. Horses are our closest link to the spirit world- the first horse people knew this. Horse people are a different type of being, we were blessed with a different connection to God.

A world class athlete isn't some small thing to be. What a great interview. I wasnt expecting to enjoy this interview as much as I did. Billy if you read this I am so sorry for your loss, may your mom rest in peace. Thank you for sharing your incredible story with us.

Billy is a gentleman for real. You can tell by the way he speaks of his mother and what his life story is like. What a great interview and story he shared. Thanks for giving him a platform to tell it mark.

I am so sorry for Billy's loss of his wonderful Mother. She raised him to be a wonderful person.

I’ve been waiting for an interview like this. Such an inspiration to all equestrians

Billy is so full of life. What a fantastic human being.

What an awesome interview. Thanks Mark and Billy for this awesome story. I really like this man, full of confidence, but not arrogant. Probably the first interview Mark's done with no swearing. I love the ones where Mark doesn't have to talk, and I'm sure he does too. I cried at the end when he passionately talked about his mother. It's true, the greater your capacity to love, the greater your capacity of to feel pain. Grieving is just love. All the best, Billy. Hugs from Canada 🇨🇦 🤗 💕

Billy, thank you for sharing your story with us! I’m sure your mom is smiling down on you, the love and respect you have for your mother is like no other.. You sir are a class act.. best wishes..

This is the best one yet. This guy is a true gentleman. God bless him and his mom.

I've never heard horse-riding described so beautifully and accurately. Another gem of an interview from the best channel on RU-vid.

Out of all my teachers, at 51 I have just learned the greatest lesson in my life. Thank you for this priceless interview Mark.

What a lovely man , his praise for his mom was so sweet and you can see what a lovely person she must have been, by his kind words and gentle spirit. God bless him. 💙

She did raise a gentleman and a Gentle Man. What a great life story. He's so passionate about his life. @Mark ~ I loved this story so much, I hope you can find more people who are willing to share their life story that has a happy closure!!!

This man told an amazing story. I could have listened to him all day.

This guy’s got hope and confidence. It’s nice to watch in the morning. I love this channel but sometimes it kicks you in the nuts. God bless Billy! I love dudes that have hope.

His illustration of riding I can't stress enough how correct ..your there but your not ..you bond become one and vibrate on the same level / rhythms..no need to speak it's all mind and body ..I learned to ride and jump no saddle no bridle ..TRUST AND ONCE YOU ARE GRANTED THAT WITH YOUR HORSE ITS UNBREAKABLE.And your privileged not the horse YOU HAVE BEEN GRANTED TRUST FROM SUCH A MAJESTIC BEING..IF ANYONE HAS THIS Privilege as I have you know how special it is and if anyone was the teacher it was my ex racehorse he was a guide to me he showed me discipline ,no fear acceptance when he went lame and was to be put down we didn't give up on him .He showed courage and kindness he never let me give up.When I fell off he would come over and make me get back on .I never rode with a saddle if I didn't have to.Bare bones all connection that horse was out of Secretariat.Racing was in his soul he was a leader and he protected me.I could be stuck in a snow storm he'd bring me home I would sleep on him in the barn when my parents were fighting he wouldn't let anybody ride him people were scared of him he was 17 1/2 hands and a beast .I've never felt more safe and secure and confident iny life FREE 🤗 God is good this man gets it why he was a great jockey and I love he gets it ! I talked to my horses all the time YOUR A TEAM AND NOBODY CAN STOP YOU .THE MOST POSITIVE Unspoken LANGUAGE MY DAD NOE MOM COULD GET HIM TO DO THE THINGS I COULD ..I TOLD MY PARENTS DONT TELL HIM OR DEMAND HIM TO DO THINGS..ASK HIM HELL DO Anything FOR YOU.PROTECT HIM FROM PEOPLE...YOU DONT OWN HIM HE CHOOSES YOU NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND..Thank you Billy for your story and your respect for your gift and for your love The track needs more men like you with moral and knowing what you both are destined to do.To be champions when life seems to be endless ditches .🙏♥️

Really enjoyed this interview. This man has such a beautiful soul and his way of telling his story was very captivating.

I am so proud of you, Billy. I wish one day for my children to speak about me like you speak about your mother. I am so sorry for your loss.

What a wonderful interview! I felt like I was a tag along with him on his horse racing journey. What a wonderful man and his momma…bless her for raising such a gentleman. Love this!!!

What a fantastic storyteller! A man who feels blessed and exudes positivity is so refreshing to hear from on SWU.

The way Billy is describing his ability to tell which horse is this or that is he has a feel for horses, he can read a horse, its one of those things you either have it or you don't and he has it. I get exactly what he is trying to explain.

Billy’s story showed his humility and how he embraced life. What an exceptional life Billy has had. A pleasure to view his totally honest story of his life.

This was one of the best interviews I have ever listened to. I was totally enthralled by this man’s testimony and loved that he gave GOD the glory for his life. I know he will see his wonderful mother again in paradise. 🙌 Bless you, Billy

This was the best interview on your channel. Thank you; I’m having my personal desperation with the horrible illness of my dearest husband - fear of losing him, and listening to Billy today energized me and made me hopeful. I strongly wish that all the answer-seeking, desperate, unfortunate people you interviewed will watch it - it is like winning the lottery! Immense potential! They would learn that however miserable life might be, a human needs a clear vision and Billy’s “4-D’s”! He is quite someone, a man with success and charisma, a brilliant human being. May he have a long life!

How awesome is this! My mom and I have trained small time race horses for many years and to hear from an old jockey like this is amazing!!! Thanks Billy! Love this one Mark!!

I can tell he is a humble man he wanted to say he got lucky but he realized by saying it was luck he was actually taking away from the story so he corrected himself and said he actually practiced a lot. I get the feeling he is an incredibly respectable man and a well respected man.

What a genuine human being! I was holding my breath throughout the interview because his energy was mesmerizing, just like his stories. The "Vision" was particularly suggestive: this man lived his dream, what a gift! Thank you for sharing the magic!

Powerful! Encouraging. The strength that a Mom, with a 2nd grade education, can be a mother and a father and raise such a winner! Great Story!

This absolutely moved me. Earth is lucky to have people like Billy ❤ Fantastic man and incredible story teller. Thank you for this!

What a truly inspirational story! Such good values instilled into him at a young age by his mother that he has carried with him his whole life. Amazing man and story.

Amazing interview. He seems to be a very good person. A heart of gold 💛

Mark, the interviews lately are unbelievable. What an amazing person. True American dream. Hard work and determination. Thank you, Mark and Billy. I love his story.

Billy is my favorite of all the people you've interviewed, he gets it. God bless you Billy, and your mother.

Colombian heritage! South American mothers are a blessing and always the strongest ones in the family! Un gusto escuchar esta entrevista parcero. Bendiciones

Thank you for this talk, Billy. And thank you to your wonderful mother. She made such an impact on you.

I used to go to Bay Meadows as a kid with my best friends grandfather. I remembered most of those jockeys that he mentioned. Great interview.

Just wow. Best interview so far. What a credit this man is to his awesome mother, may she rest in peace. Billy is so genuine and such a great story teller. Thank you, Mark

This gentleman should write a book… I could listen to him all day

Wow!! what a lovely man. He is so appreciative of all the people who helped him along the way. Tremendously enjoyed this positive interview. Thank you Mark

He seems like an honest, hard-working, kind man.

What a great story teller!! He has passion for everything in life and it is just flowing out of him. Loved this interview! A legend indeed! ❤️

LOVED this interview Mark! Billy really captured my attention the entire time and was such a good storyteller. His life story would make an awesome movie! What a cool man. Thanks for working so hard Mark. Your work ethic, photography, and interviews are top notch and I appreciate you! 😊

So happy you did this interview!! When My dad came back from ww2 he bought 2 race horses 🐎 Weslton and Going to town I still have pics of those 2... After he sold yhem and opened his tavern I. Indiana he played the ponies on a regular basis ...I remember as a kid him calling his bookie! He always said don't get a horse! You will go broke ...well I guess it was in our blood..I rescued my first mare back in early 90s and have had horses ever since! I even retired a chicago police horse...he lived to 40! I also took a track horse from Arlington he won some good races but then got broke down n the owner didn't want to send him to slaughter so she gave him to me ...his name was worthy ...he ended up getting a very rare virus that attacked his lungs n he died at my farm. I think he had a short life due to being a race horse so I'm not a fan of horse racing any more. I guess once that horse is in your blood you never get rid of it . I'm almost 60 now and still have 2 old horses. Sorry for your loss Billy I lost my mom 20 years ago she was my best freind and I miss her every dam day! I wish you well and thank you so much for sharing your story!!❤️

He really loved reliving his story by telling it to you

Last 5 mins....straight chills. I loss my mom 2 years ago, still feels like yesterday.

Thank you Mark! A story I can relate. My late husband & I lived in Denver, CO. We would drive down to Pueblo to the dog track every year for the Kentucky Derby. I always won with Calvin Borel. I'm so excited for the 1st Saturday in May. The most exciting two minutes in sports!

Such a blessing to encounter the passion that horses lend us. Thank you for your story Mr. Billy.

What a great interview. I became an avid racing fan about 10 years ago, but I wished it was during Billy's era. I'd love to have a beer and listen to all of his passionate stories. The respect he has for Shoemaker and Pincay tells a lot about his character. God bless you Billy!! Your Mom is watching over you and she's very proud.

Really inspiring to listen to. He’s simultaneously bursting with confidence yet very humble. His work ethic is very admirable as well. I’m sure his life wasn’t easy and there was plenty to complain about, but he didn’t have one negative thing to say this whole interview. Respect ✊

Growing up in the 80s , When Hollywood park seemed very popular, my parents taking my brother and I almost every day to the races. To hear Billy's passion about the horses, and horse racing terms , What it was like to be in there with McCarron, pinkay, shoemaker Took me back to that time. The best story by far for me, Thank you Billy, and may your mom rest in peace.

He’s fantastic. It was so great hearing him tell his story.

I grew up riding bareback and it was the best education in riding. I also rode green and difficult horses. When I would gallop my mare through the wood, it felt I was on a crotch rocket. It’s so much fun.

Such a gentleman…speaks of women so highly with great respect. Wow… i could listen to you, sir, all night long. Thank you for setting the example. I grew up in Indiana, too, Nashville. Now living on west coast. Respect.

Loved this. He's a great storyteller. Condolences Billy. You'll see your mom again someday.

This is the BEST interview I've ever seen on RU-vid. Thank you Billy for sharing this amazing story. God Bless your wonderful mother.

What an INCREDIBLE man! Mark this is one of your best interviews yet. We need more people like Billy in this world. Thank God he got to taste and enjoy all the success and victories he had in his prime. His Mother to have him as a son.

It’s hard to raise kids with all the right stuff. Sometimes even when you do they fail. This was a success on both ends. Thank you Billy for such a great interview.

Billy, don't lose your enthusiasm and love for life. you are fearless, you have to be to be a jockey, it is a dangerous profession, but those horses get in your heart and in your blood. a hard habit to break. you were born to do it. thanks for your story.

His strength is incredible. His foresight is that of a giant. Thank you Mark.

I LOVE this guy! What an exemplary human being! What a powerful spirit! Humility! Love of life! What an inspiration! Thank you!

It’s fascinating how life unfolded for him step by step taking him higher and higher. And yet he always remained somewhat grounded. Always appreciating the good thing he had, his mother and stepfather. Some may look at the same parents and be very disappointed. This is the art of living crystallized.

His passion tempered by his humility and love made this man's story iconic and a joy to listen to.

I love horses and horseracing. Great stories from him. Thank you for this interview

really enjoy hearing from people that have done something with their lives.

Mark, we really need a part 2 with what happened after his accident and where he is at today

Thank you for this interview. I’ve been watching these videos for almost 2 years now. There’s many that touched my heart. This one , hands down is my favorite. So many words of wisdom and encouragement on how to maneuver through life and the obstacles that we may face. At the end of the day, we are our own obstacle if we choose not to go after our goals and dreams. God bless you Billy. I know your Mom is resting peacefully

When he said, put God first I knew it would be an inspirational story. Thank you for sharing your life with us. Peace and blessings.

You truly do carry yourself like your 6’4” you have so much heart

Any man that has so much respect for the people that raised him ( in the case mom and step-dad) is a good man and human. Thank all of you out there for doing a good job parenting!

This has to be one of my favorites. His passion and story telling is amazing to listen to.

Billy's love and respect for his Mom touched me and brought tears to my eyes; what a remarkable and inspirational life he has had. During these dark and troubled times I think his message of "never give up" is one that humanity hungers to hear, on a global scale. Love it that his hard work and the message his mom instilled in him of "being the best at whatever you do" is another gem.....This man is such a excellent role model for all those who come from humble means and not w/o his share of pain (an alcoholic father who abandoned him and his mom)......Much respect.

I loved hearing a true master of his sport talk about the feeling of flowing with the horse, with no load on the horse's back. None of us will ever know that feeling. He's not just a jockey but he is a race rider!

I could listen to Billy talk all day and amazing guy! You were blessed to have a very smart, wise Mother. It all begins at home and staying humble, and true to yourself and have God in your life you can’t go wrong. Thanks for sharing your story!

This man is phenomenal, it was an honor and a privilege to listen to his story, time well spend on my part, wouldn't have missed it for the world. What a great man, God bless him.

What an amazing man. I loved this interview.

I was in line at the border leaving Mexico years ago and heard a knock at my truck door. I looked outside and saw no one. As I leaned out the window and looked down there was a tiny girl selling gum in single pieces. She was probably 4 years old. Like this brother she was hustling in childhood.

My uncle Billy was also a jockey. I never knew him very well because he married my aunt late in life, but he was definitely a character. I think my uncle was a bad boy compared to this gentleman. He drank, gambled and womanised, and boy could he tell tall tales. He came from the mean streets of Cabbage Town which was once a lovely Victorian enclave of stately homes that fell to ruin here in Ont. Canada. Las Vegas was my uncles second home and that's the only place he ever wanted to go later in life. My father took him on his last trip even though he was almost completely blind and in the throes of Parkinsons disease. He never forgot that last trip, it made him so happy. This Billy is a real champion and his love for his mother is so poignant. What a gem of a man. I was enthralled from the start. Thank you Billy and my sincere condolences on the loss of your mother.

Billy - THE MAN I was hanging on every word, every word.

Great story teller - so passionate ! It was a trip down memory lane for me - my uncle is Ron ‘Ronnie’ Turcotte.