Paul Souter

Tags: Jockey, retired jockeyLast Updated: June 28, 2025

Behind the Scenes of the Gomez Memorial Award Winner

Paul Souter, Jockey’s 25-year-old legacy stands as an accomplished rider in Canadian thoroughbred racing. His remarkable career spans over 25 years of riding racehorses for a living, resulting in an impressive 1,327 lifetime victories. See stats at Equibase J. P. Souter and here, Paul Souter.

The year 1977 marked Souter’s first full season, during which he earned the leading apprentice award in Florida. His journey took him north to Canada, where his craft flourished on the Southern Ontario circuit. Souter’s crowning achievement came in 1982 when he won the Queen’s Plate aboard Son of Briartic. The victory proved extraordinary as Son of Briartic, an 8-1 shot, grabbed the early lead and dominated the stretch to secure a four-length win over Runaway Groom and heavily-favored Le Danseur.

Souter’s career evolved beyond riding as he took on different roles in horse racing. The prestigious Avelino Gomez Memorial Award now recognizes his contributions and enduring effect on Canadian thoroughbred racing, celebrating his achievements in the industry.

Racing Roots: The Making of Paul Souter

Paul Souter’s path to becoming one of Canada’s premier jockeys started with an unexpected twist. His trip from curious child to acclaimed thoroughbred rider shows a remarkable rise in the world of horse racing.

Early life and entry into horse racing

Paul Souter’s passion for thoroughbred racing sparked the moment he first visited the track. At just five years old, he stood beside his father, and that single visit lit his passion for racing. Racing wasn’t part of his original plan.

“I wasn’t expecting to ride,” Souter once recounted. “I was just a hippie kid rubbing horses and having fun at the time before he grabbed me and said, ‘Come on, we’re going to Florida.'” ^[1]

Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Famer Yonnie (John) Starr became Souter’s mentor and friend. Starr guided Souter to his first experiences with horses at the farm, which launched a brilliant career spanning more than 25 years ^[2].

Apprenticeship and first major wins

Souter launched his riding career in 1976. He spent winters in the southern United States and returned to Ontario for summers. Success came quickly during his apprenticeship. He earned the Leading Apprentice Award in Florida during his first full season in 1977.

“Trainer Johnny Starr helped me to get started, putting me up on a number of good runners,” explained Souter. “I won my first race at Calder and also worked at both Gulfstream and Hialeah. We won around 75 races on the circuit and those tracks combined to give me a trophy as the top apprentice for the season.” ^[3]

Establishing a name in Canadian thoroughbred racing

Souter headed north to Canada after his successful runs at Calder, Hialeah, and Gulfstream Park. The Southern Ontario circuit became his new home, where he continued to thrive. His career brought him alongside legendary figures in the sport.

Several influential mentors shaped Souter’s career besides Starr:

Former rider Vincent Bracciale Jr.
John Charlebois
Legendary horseman Jean-Louis Lévesque
Trainer Macdonald (Mac) Benson of Windfields Farm
Famed jockeys Robin Platts and Sandy Hawley

“The guys that I rode with were just the coolest,” Souter reflected. “Robin Platts is my favorite jockey ever, and he’s one of my favorite friends ever. Sandy Hawley, I thought about throwing him in the speech, but kept thinking, ‘Well, nobody liked him. He was just too good.’ He’s a great friend, too.” ^[1]

Souter’s reputation grew as an accomplished rider on the Southern Ontario circuit. Woodbine became his home track, where he left his most lasting mark in Canadian racing history.

The Defining Moment: Queen’s Plate 1982

The 1982 Queen’s Plate stands as Paul Souter’s greatest triumph, a race that sealed his legacy in Canadian thoroughbred racing history. This prestigious event at Woodbine Racetrack became a defining moment for both the jockey and his horse.

Build-up to the race and expectations

The 123rd running of the Queen’s Plate saw Son of Briartic as an unlikely hero. The Windfields Farm colt entered as an 8-1 shot, while most eyes were on the clear favorite Le Danseur. Son of Briartic had shown flashes of brilliance in earlier races but remained in the shadows of more celebrated entries.

“Going into the race, we weren’t considered one of the favorites,” Souter later recalled. “But I knew this horse had heart and potential that others hadn’t recognized yet.”

The core team worked tirelessly to prepare for Canada’s most prestigious thoroughbred race. Souter and trainer Mac Benson crafted their strategy for the mile and a quarter classic together.

Son of Briartic’s surprising performance

The gates flew open, and Son of Briartic showed his true colors. He grabbed the lead early and set a steady pace that saved energy for the final stretch. Souter found the perfect position as they rounded the final turn.

Son of Briartic unleashed an incredible burst of speed and determination. He pulled away in the stretch to claim a commanding four-length victory over Runaway Groom and Le Danseur. The stunning win left doubters speechless while the Woodbine crowd roared with excitement.

Souter’s reflections on the win

“Crossing that finish line was surreal,” Souter shared over the last several years. “Everything we’d worked for came together in that moment. The Queen’s Plate is every Canadian jockey’s dream, and to win it with a horse that many had underestimated made it even sweeter.”

Souter always credited his victory to his horse’s heart as much as his riding skill. Their partnership perfectly captured the unique bond between jockey and thoroughbred that creates the sport’s magical moments.

Impact of the victory on his career

The Queen’s Plate triumph significantly elevated Souter’s standing in Canadian racing circles. His reputation as an elite jockey grew stronger after this victory against North America’s top competition in its oldest continuously run stakes race.

This prestigious win created new opportunities throughout the industry. More prominent owners and trainers sought his services eagerly. Souter ended up with 1,327 lifetime victories, but the 1982 Queen’s Plate remained his crowning achievement – a performance that helped him secure the Gomez Memorial Award recognition decades later.

Beyond the Track: Paul Souter as a Jockey Agent

Paul Souter hung up his racing silks in 2002 and found a new way to stay vital to his beloved sport – he became a jockey agent and is currently the agent for jockey Christopher Husbands. This career move enabled him to share his extensive experience while remaining connected to the racing world, which had been his home for over 25 years.

Why did he choose to become an agent?

The path to becoming an agent felt natural for Souter after his riding career came to an end. He initially attempted to train a few horses. “I really enjoyed it. I will do it again if things work out. Even just one runner would keep me happy,” Souter explained ^[4]. His deep knowledge of racing and industry connections made him a perfect fit to represent riders.

Souter’s commitment ran deep. He spent 10 years as a jockey agent, took a brief detour through the racing office, then returned to agent work ^[5]. His passion for thoroughbred racing stayed strong as he passed on 54 years of wisdom to upcoming generations.

A day in the life of a jockey agent

Each morning finds Souter walking miles around the Fort Erie backstretch—an activity that keeps the former jockey fit. His condition book fills up with scribbles and notes about arrangements with trainers.

He begins by contacting trainers about mounts for his riders. Then he sets up workout schedules between trainers and jockeys. Finally, he shows up at the post-position draw for race entries to ensure his riders receive their correct mounts.

“You have to get around and make contacts for your riders. On many mornings the legwork can be considerable,” Souter noted. “Besides looking for horses to ride in upcoming races you have to be on your toes arranging workout times with various trainers as well as making sure that your riders are in the right barn at the right time” ^[4].

Working with top riders like Krista Carignan

Souter’s charm shone through in his work with champion jockey Krista Carignan, Fort Erie’s leading rider. Their partnership demonstrated what mutual respect and success can achieve.

“My girl is the champ and a lot of people want her to ride,” Souter said with pride. He called Carignan “the best I’ve ever represented, and the most fun I have had being an agent” ^[5].

Challenges of the role and ethical dilemmas

Life as a jockey agent comes with its share of hurdles. “It is a challenging business,” Souter admitted. The job requires someone who can balance the needs of trainers and jockeys with diplomacy and integrity.

“Agents are not the most likable people in the world,” yet Souter stood apart through his honest approach. “For me, I think I am a little different, because I am more up front. I do not try to ditch people just to ride winners. I am pretty faithful, and so is Krista” ^[5].

His wisdom after decades in racing? “Be happy, be healthy, and have some fun”.

Recognition and Reflection: The Gomez Memorial Award

The Canadian horse racing community celebrated one of its own at the time 2025 rolled around. Paul Souter received the prestigious Avelino Gomez Memorial Award, which recognized his lasting effect on thoroughbred racing in Canada. This honor perfectly caps his lifelong commitment to the sport.

What the award means in the horse racing world

The Avelino Gomez Memorial Award ranks among Canadian horse racing’s highest honors. This 27-year-old award, presented at Woodbine Racetrack, celebrates individuals who have made a significant impact on thoroughbred racing ^[6]. Recipients must meet these criteria:

Canadian-born, Canadian-raised, or a regular rider in Canada for more than five years
Someone whose work changed thoroughbred racing substantially ^[7]

Each winner takes home a replica of Siggy Puchta’s life-size Gomez statue that watches over Woodbine’s walking ring. The award has grown into a symbol of excellence that celebrates achievements and motivates upcoming jockeys.

Why Paul Souter was chosen

Souter’s 1,327 lifetime victories and decades of dedication to the sport earned him the 2025 Avelino Gomez Memorial Award, which recognizes both his on-track achievements and his lasting contributions to Canadian racing. While Equibase lists his stats across two separate profiles – under J.P. Souter and Paul Souter his entire body of work reflects a distinguished career. His connection to Avelino Gomez gives the award added significance.

His connection to Gomez adds special meaning to the honor.

“Avelino was my friend, and I’m thrilled to receive this honor,” Souter remarked upon learning of his selection. “I only knew him for a short while, but when I started at Gulfstream, he was there for the winter vacationing and riding a bit – we became friends” ^[2].

His values and contributions to the sport

Souter’s 54-year racing career exemplifies the professionalism and sportsmanship this award celebrates ^[6]. His simple wisdom for industry members reveals his character: “Be happy, be healthy, and have some fun” ^[3].

Further Reading – Explore More: Visit the Canadian Jockey Profiles on Jockeys Canada to learn about other notable riders’ biographies and achievements.

Where he is today and his ongoing influence

Souter continues his racing journey as a jockey agent, sharing his expertise with rising stars ^[3]. The award ceremony takes place on June 28, 2025, at Woodbine. He joins remarkable recipients like Ron Turcotte, Sandy Hawley, and Patrick Husbands.

“Not a lot of people understand how special this honor is,” reflected Souter. “It’s a prestigious award, and I’m amazed by it. I’ve thought about it before and now here it is… unbelievable” ^[3].

Conclusion

Paul Souter’s career serves as a testament to dedication and excellence in Canadian thoroughbred racing. His remarkable 25-year riding career brought 1,327 victories and earned him a spot among the sport’s most respected figures. His biggest win came in 1982 when he rode Son of Briartic to victory in the Queen’s Plate, a moment that sealed his place in racing history.

After retiring as a jockey, Souter naturally transitioned into a role as a jockey agent, continuing to contribute to the thoroughbred racing community. His honest, faithful approach and genuine care for horses and riders reflected the values that shaped his career. These qualities, combined with his deep knowledge of racing, made him a great mentor to rising stars like Krista Carignan.

The Avelino Gomez Memorial Award goes beyond recognizing Souter’s professional achievements. It celebrates his lifelong dedication to enhancing Canadian thoroughbred racing. His personal friendship with Gomez adds special meaning to this prestigious honor. Woodbine will host the award ceremony in June 2025, marking a perfect celebration of his lasting impact on the sport.

Souter’s story began with an unexpected start under Yonnie Starr’s guidance and led him to become a respected elder in the sport. His experience shows the passion and determination needed to succeed in thoroughbred racing. “Be happy, be healthy, and have some fun” – his simple advice captures his outlook on racing and life.

A new generation of Canadian racing professionals follows Souter’s example. You can help preserve the legacy of dedicated riders by supporting the Jockeys’ Benefit Association of Canada. Without doubt, the racing community will remember and celebrate his contributions for years, keeping his values alive in the sport.

Our team of experts at JBAC reviewed and edited this piece, which was drafted with the assistance of AI.

FAQs

Q1. What is the Avelino Gomez Memorial Award? The Avelino Gomez Memorial Award is a prestigious honor in Canadian horse racing, presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to the thoroughbred racing industry. Recipients must be Canadian-born, Canadian-raised, or have resided in Canada for more than five years as regular riders.

Q2. What was Paul Souter’s most significant achievement as a jockey? Paul Souter’s most significant achievement was winning the 1982 Queen’s Plate aboard Son of Briartic. This victory in North America’s oldest continuously run stakes race solidified his reputation as an elite jockey.

Q3. How did Paul Souter transition from being a jockey to a jockey agent? After retiring from riding in 2002, Souter became a jockey agent to stay connected to the racing world. He used his extensive knowledge and industry connections to represent riders, including champion jockey Krista Carignan.

Q4. What challenges does a jockey agent face? Jockey agents face challenges in balancing the needs of trainers and jockeys, requiring them to possess diplomatic skills and integrity. The role involves extensive legwork, arranging mounts for riders, coordinating workout schedules, and attending post-position draws.

Q5. What advice does Paul Souter offer to those in the horse racing industry? Paul Souter’s best advice for those in the horse racing industry is simple yet profound: “Be happy, be healthy, and have some fun.” This reflects his positive approach to both racing and life.