Gryder, Hovdey Plan Book Signing at Symposium

Those attending the 2024 Global Symposium on Racing will have a chance to meet and greet jockey Aaron Gryder and author Jay Hovdey at a special signing of Well Armed: A Thoroughbred of Destiny on the afternoon of Tuesday, Dec. 10, at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Arizona. Just published, Well Armed: A Thoroughbred of Destiny tells the story of the racehorse who overcame numerous physical setbacks to take the family of Bill and Susan Casner to the pinnacle of the sport with his victory under Gryder in the 2009 Dubai World Cup, winning by an astounding 14 lengths. More than that, however, the saga of Well Armed is wrapped around the tragic death of Karri Casner, the Casners' younger of two daughters, in a terrorist bomb attack on the resort island of Bali in 2002. Six months later, Well Armed was born... on what would have been Karri Casner's 24th birthday. Well Armed: A Thoroughbred of Destiny also traces the fascinating family of the horse at the center of the tale, along with the intersection of Well Armed's life with his world-class trainer, Eoin Harty, and the vital contribution of Gryder, his loyal companion. During a 34-year career of international scope, Gryder won more than 4,000 races, while his mounts earned in excess of $125 million. Gryder retired from riding in 2020 take the position of Vice President-Industry Relations for 1ST/Racing, with an emphasis on the safety and welfare of participants at the company's widespread racing and training properties. Hovdey is a five-time Eclipse Award winning writer who was front and center for Well Armed's Southern California career. Hovdey's earlier books include biographies of Hall of Fame trainer Charlie Whittingham and two-time Horse of the Year Cigar, as well as a collection of columns from his years with Daily Racing Form. Hovdey currently is national columnist for BloodHorse Publications. Well Armed: A Thoroughbred of Destiny was published by Johnsen Holdings. The book can be purchased at the Global Symposium signing for $20 or at www.wellarmedbook.com.