To say the least, the name Jacky Martin is well known in Quarter Horse racing circles. In fact, it is not a stretch to describe the jockey as a legend in the sport. Jacky won his first All American Futurity in 1976. Since then he has won the prestigious All American six more times. Over the years, Jacky built a Hall of Fame career by winning the biggest Quarter Horse races in the United States, including Oklahoma.

Unfortunately, Jacky’s career took a turn for the worse in 1996 when he was charged in Texas for crimes unrelated to racing. Jacky later pled guilty to two felony counts and received suspended sentences which included substantial community service obligations. As a result, Jacky’s jockey licenses were suspended, and he lost his ability to compete in the sport that he had devoted most of his life.

At 52 years old, most would have pulled down their tents and walked away. Not Jacky. He used the adversity as a positive life-changing experience and turned his personal life around. He became a better person, a better husband, and perhaps even a better jockey. In September 2010, Jacky’s dedication to changing his life was rewarded when he received “judicial clemency” from the judge presiding over his case.

Article Authored by McAfee & Taft Attorney: Jeff Todd.