A regular at Canterbury Park and Prairie Meadows, jockey Alex Canchari, 29, took his own life March 1, his sister Ashley Canchari confirmed online the morning of March 2.
The racing industry is again shaken after learning on social media of another jockey turning to suicide.
Canchari grew up in Shakopee, Minn., as part of a racing family. His brother, Patrick Canchari, also a jockey, was paralyzed in an auto accident in March 2020. Their father, Luis Canchari, originally from Peru, was a trainer and rider and died in December 2020. Alex was married with two children.
Alex Canchari achieved his dream as a jockey, following in the footsteps of his father and brother. The news of this talented and genuine young man's death has deeply saddened the Canterbury Park family. Alex pictured below on left with Luis and Patrick. #ShakopeeKid pic.twitter.com/iZUI4j8vu6
— Canterbury Press Box (@CBYTrackFlack) March 2, 2023
Canchari rode from 2011-22 with 7,598 mounts, recording 1,044 wins, 1,008 seconds, and 1,020 thirds—earning $28,619,989. He was in the tack when Flat Out Speed captured the 2020 Iowa Oaks (G3) at Prairie Meadows, the rider's first graded win.
"It’s shocking; his riding ability was top-notch," Prairie Meadows assistant racing secretary Chad Keller said. "It’s unfortunate, whatever he was dealing with at his passing. Hopefully, the family will be able to find closure through this difficult time. Prairie Meadows is shocked and very saddened to hear we have lost Alex; he was an excellent rider and will be sorely missed.”
Alex Canchari rode his 1,000th winner on May 25, 2022, at Canterbury Park when Tonka Warrior raced to victory in the day’s final race, a maiden special weight. He savored the victory, coming at his hometown track, expressing his love for the local fans.
"I grew up here. I got my first job here in the concession stand when I was a kid," Canchari told track publicity after reaching the milestone.
The young jockey's best year came in 2018 when he guided 812 horses through the starting gate to win 120 races and earn $3,727,351.
"I felt really sad when I heard the news of Alex's passing last night. I'm very heartbroken; he is someone I have known for a very long time, and before he was riding, he used to rub horses in Chicago when I was riding there," jockey Florent Geroux, a friend of the deceased rider, said. "Through the years, we always kept in contact. Wherever I rode, we used to try to meet up and do things together. If I won a big race, Alex was always the first to text and congratulate me, and I did the same for him. I don't know what went wrong in his personal life, but I feel very sad for his wife, family, and friends."
Canchari's sister Ashley has created a GoFundMe page on behalf of the rider's family.
