Two years after sustaining severe neck and back injuries during a race at Oaklawn ParkEquestrian Channing Hill announced on December 6 that he was retiring from the sport.
“Thank you to everyone and the horses for making my career so special. Being a jockey is a dream come true. Following advice from my family and doctors, I was officially retired from professional equestrian career,” Hill wrote on Facebook. .
“Thanks again to all of the equestrian community over the years and around the world, thanks to all of you my experience has been filled with truly unbelievable opportunities and formed so many relationships. beautiful relationship. This journey sometimes feels like it’s really just a small-town Nebraska kid’s dream.”
Hill, a native of Grand Island, Neb., and the son of former jockey Allan Hill, began his equestrian career in 2003 and quickly rose through the ranks. In 2004 he won his first and in 2005 he was a finalist of the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Equestrian Apprentice.
In 2017, it was Hill’s first year as he took part in all three stages of Triple Crown including Quickly and accurately in the Kentucky Derby due to Yum! Trademarks (G1) and high end investment third place in Preakness Stakes (G1) and fifth in Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets (G1).
Later that year, he rode Coffeepot Stables’ Farrell to win the Chilukki Stakes (G2) and go on to win the Shuvee Stakes (G3) in 2018, both for his father-in-law, coach Wayne Catalano. Hill is married to Shelbi, daughter of Catalano, and the two have four children together.
Also campaigned by the Coffeepot/Catalan duo is Liora whom Hill won the Golden Rod Stakes (G2) in 2018 as well as runner-up at the Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) in 2019.
Some of his other top mounts include 2014 Fantasy Stakes (G3) winner Sugar shock , sweet feud 2008 Black-Eyed Winner Susan Stakes (G2), 2008 Barbara Fritchie Handicap (G2) winner Golden Dawn and multi-stakes winner Hoonani Street . His only 1st grade win comes with first defense in 2008 Forego Handicap (G1).
On April 17, 2020, Hill was removed from Muskoka wonder in the second race at Oaklawn. He underwent successful surgery three days later and was discharged shortly thereafter. At the time, it was uncertain whether Hill would return to horseback riding. He ended his career with 1,204 wins in 10,987 starts.
