Jason Portuondo has seen and done it all in racing – a kind of Forrest Gump who has changed jobs because of circumstances, coincidences and opportunities that led to some interesting and unexpected experiences – while also helping to break the colour barrier in broadcasting and horse racing.

Off and on for more than 35 years, Portuondo did it all: groomed for Standardbreds; exercised Thoroughbreds and even considered being a jockey but wasn’t light enough; worked Quarter Horses a few times with the thought of perhaps riding them in races but decided he didn’t have the passion. But most people know him for his broadcast work talking about horses and handicapping for multiple TV and radio outlets, including doing interviews on horseback with jockeys following major races.

Last May, he decided to hang up his microphone, so to speak, to begin a job as an official steward/judge with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, which regulates horse racing in the province. On any given day or night he might be working at one of the 15 racetracks in Ontario, which ties in his knowledge about the three breeds.

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