Seen here in the Winner's Circle holding the reigns of Stanton at Ellis Park, James has been racing towards his own Winner's Circle lately since joining the Boys' Haven Equine Employment Training Pogram a few months ago.

James spent his high school years in the Boys' Haven Residential Program and then the last couple of years in the Independent Living Program. As he say, "Boys' Haven pretty much saved my life. They've fed me and clothed me and educated me. No one in my family ever did any of these things for me."

his boss, Equine Program Manager Jay Wilkinson, has nothing but praise for James. "In three months James has gone from a typical urban kid who was very uncomfortable around horses to being a proficient groom. He is now responsible for the daily care and maintenance of four thoroughbreds and has the aptitude for much more in the horse industry."

Our volunteer veterinarian, Dr. Joni Lindquist, is even more effusive in her praise. "James is the most improved horseman I've ever witnessed in such a brief period of time. He's got an intrinsic horse sense. I can't say enough good things about James - he's going to go far."