As any participant in harness racing knows, the sport is an emotional roller coaster full of thrilling highs and painful lows. What many people might not necessarily recognize is how that roller coaster affects everyone, even those at the top of the industry.
In an interview with Harness Racing New Zealand discussing downunder star Lazarus, trainer Jimmy Takter confirmed that he'll be taking a step back from training at the end of this year. What many would surely be surprised to find out is that the longtime horseman isn't immune to the pressure that accompanies his success.
“A sign of a good trainer is one that stays on top for many years,” said Takter. “I want to be on top, but I can’t all the time. It’s been 35 years of doing this and it’s hard. I get depression very easily and I get down on myself.
“You work yourself to death here,” admitted Takter. “I just feel like if I can’t be one hundred percent into it I don’t want to do it. But it is hard to back off.”
Takter indicated that in 2019 he will step down from training duties, and hand over the reins to his daughter Nancy Johansson and his trusted stable foreman, Per Engblom. They will train from Takter’s farm and he will still live on site and be available to offer assistance and advice, but is determined to step back and take some time for himself and his family.
“I haven’t decided if I will totally stay out of the industry. But I need to take some time for myself and then make a decision. I would love to come down to New Zealand and maybe have a drive as it’s on my bucket list.”
Takter's fondness of the horse, especially horses the likes of Lazarus, make stepping away from the industry entirely extremely difficult.
"At this stage of my career Lazarus is actually a big plus. It is horses like this that make me remember why I wanted to be in harness racing. A horse like this is very special for me to be participating with," stated Takter. "He’s a cool horse. I’m very happy with him, you can see he is a legend."
I can relate to what my
I can relate to what my friend Jimmy feels.
I'm extremely grateful for what this business has provided for me. I've basically lived a life I've dreamed of living.
Nevertheless, despite all the numerous satisfactions and success I've gained, it has to a degree been counter balanced by the few lows.
When they occur, I've sometimes gone into a funk from which it has not always been easy to recover.
Thankfully, there have been more highs than lows.
Now that I'm partially retired, I consider myself an extremely lucky man. I can do pretty much what I want while still helping out when and if I and/or my opinion are needed. I'm very lucky to feel that I'm appreciated and feel valued.
Jimmy Takter is arguably the greatest and most successful horseman ever. I would hate to see him walk away completely. I seriously doubt that he will.
Regardless of what he ends up doing or not doing, I wish him every possible success in his long life to come.
Depression is still a very
Depression is still a very taboo topic in society - good on you Jimmy to talk about it publicly. You have been a phenomenal asset to the industry and I wish you all the best in your retirement.