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If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere. It's up to you, New York, New York!
With all apologies to Frank Sinatra and Liza Minnelli, the theme from "New York, New York" will be on Grand Island racing fans minds this Sunday as Nebraska's own Channing Hill takes a busman's holiday to spend a day at Fonner Park visiting friends and riding a few races.
Hill, born in Grand Island and raised in Columbus, has established himself as one of the leading riders in the tough New York circuit. The young rider is looking forward from getting away from the hectic New York life for a weekend to spend some quality time with friends and family in Nebraska.
"We don't race at Aqueduct on Palm Sunday, so I have four days off from racing," Hill said. "It gives me a chance to come back home and see my family and friends around Fonner Park."
Hill will stay at New York through Saturday's race card before heading home.
"I have some mounts on Saturday, my plane leaves at 6:30 p.m., I'm anxious to get back home," Hill said.
The four-year career of Hill's has been a whirlwind ride for the son of longtime Fonner Park rider Allan Hill.
"It really has gone fast," Hill said. "It seems like not that long ago I was riding at Prairie Meadows before my senior year in high school."
It was during that Prairie Meadows meeting in 2004 at Altoona, Iowa, that things started to fall into place for Hill. He first won his first race aboard a horse named Red River Ridge in only his seventh mount of his career and later met jockey Shaun Bridgmohan.
"Shaun came from New York to ride a horse in the Iowa Derby," Hill said. "His agent, Matt Muzikar, came with him.
"I became great friends with Shaun and Matt asked me if I'd like to try riding in New York, and that if I would, he would represent me."
Hill was elated at the prospects, but still had the matter of finishing high school. "I returned to high school in Columbus in the fall and graduated in December," Hill said. "Before the end of the month I was riding in New York."
Hill didn't take long to make it in New York, as he rode his first winner there four days after his arrival. Originally sought after by many top trainers because of his five-pound weight allowance as an apprentice jockey, Hill won 77 times in 2005.
Many apprentice riders struggle after losing their weight allowance, but Hill continued to thrive on the New York circuit. He's currently sixth in the jockey standings at the winter meeting at Aqueduct with 25 visits to the winner's circle.
Like many young riders, Hill has other riders that he admires. He lists his father, Allan, current East Coast star Eddie King and Bridgmohan as top mentors.
One other rider that Channing Hill competes against on a daily basis in New York is a rider he respects greatly.
"I really admire Michael Luzzi," Hill said. "Not only is Mike a great rider, friend and advisor, he just is a gentleman on and off the track and a great ambassador for the sport."
Returning to Fonner this weekend allows Hill to see one of his buddies from growing up around the Nebraska circuit in current Fonner rider Mike Luark.
"Mike, Tanner (Riggs), Dylan (Williams) and I all grew up together and are great friends," Hill said. "I called Mike right away when I knew I was coming home. Mike is really a good rider. He probably tries harder than any of us.
"Last year when I came and rode in Grand Island, I ran second to him in the last race. He hasn't let me forget it."
Hill said that although all four young riders are at different race tracks, they keep in contact.
"I actually haven't talked to Tanner since early February, but he's been tearing it up in Chicago," Hill said. "Dylan is really riding well in Arkansas. I just talked to him last weekend."
Hill said he is looking forward to his appearance Sunday at Fonner Park.
"It's like home for me," Hill said. "I've tried to let some people know I'll be available to ride. I hope I get some mounts."
Hoofprints
* Hill counts Commentator as the best horse he's ever ridden. He picked up the mount on the handicap star in 2004.
* Although riding throughout the East Coast, Hill can easily name his favorite racetrack. "Saratoga is just absolutely the best racing anywhere," Hill said. "It's just beautiful there, with the best trainers, riders and horses all at one place."
* A big sports fan, Hill likes to take in New York Knicks basketball and New York Mets baseball games, especially when his beloved Chicago Cubs are in town. "I love the Cubs, always have," Hill said. "When the Cubs aren't in town, I root for the Mets." Hill has become good friends with Mets outfielder Moises Alou. "Moises loves horses," Hill said. "He owns quite a few and he comes to the racetrack quite a bit. He's a great guy."
* Hill's namesake horse, C Hill, is entered to run in Friday's ninth race at Fonner Park.
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