Vince DeGregory Jr.: A living legend, a better friend

In 1977, I used to be the DJ at a brand new Solana Seashore discotheque, The Distillery, once I first met Vince DeGregory Jr. I used to be new to North County San Diego and excited to spin information and make individuals dance. The movie “Saturday Evening Fever” was a field workplace smash hit. And the remaining, they are saying, was historical past.

The membership was situated straight throughout from the Solana Seashore Submit Workplace. This new nightspot was high class, large and superbly designed — the most effective nightclub I ever labored in, no doubt. As a DJ, I’d spin vinyl information with pulsating lights and work the gang of greater than 600 individuals right into a frenzy.

That’s the place I met Vince, who hailed from Saratoga Springs, New York. He was tall, good-looking, very personable and dapper, all the time dressed to the nines. Folks migrated to Vince — particularly girls — drawn to his infectious smile and lighthearted demeanor. Energetic, Vince was a pure expertise at just about every thing, together with being an completed jazz trumpet participant.

Vince was a jockey’s agent, reserving mounts for his represented riders. Over time, Vince represented 9 corridor of fame jockeys, together with Laffit Pincay, Jr. Collectively, Vince and Pincay gained six consecutive nationwide cash titles from 1970 to ‘76. 

The primary time I met him was on the bar on the membership, “The Distillery.” Vince was holding courtroom with a row of lovely girls and a bartop filled with drinks close by. All the time tailor-made in a swimsuit and designer shirts, Vince was proper out of a style journal. Being in his firm was distinctive and laughter was all the time a part of any dialog.

Many nights he would are available in with top-shelf celebrities, corresponding to Jack Klugman, Burt Bacharach, Angie Dickinson and Telly Savalas — everybody beloved being near Vince. Vince was an amazing storyteller and storyteller and storyteller and had a reminiscence like an elephant. He made you cheerful by being in his presence.

Since that preliminary assembly practically 40 years in the past, Vince and I’ve remained shut mates. Not solely was he a good friend however a mentor to me within the horse racing sport. After I first began, I knew nothing, however Vince taught me the ropes and by no means as soon as did his help wilt after forty-five years of friendship. I think about myself blessed to know such a caring, loving and supreme human being.

In 1995, My radio present debuted in Las Vegas and Vince was my first visitor. Simply as in ’77, Vince shone just like the brightest star as my most treasured interviewee. After I wanted recommendation or info, Vince was all the time there — he by no means wavered and handled me like a son.

Final Monday, Vince turned 90 and he’s nonetheless engaged on the sport he loves and mastered. There isn’t a corridor of fame for jockey brokers, but when there have been, Vince would high the induction record by a rustic mile.

Extra importantly, Vince has all the time been a corridor of fame good friend to me. By no means has he forgotten my birthday — he calls me often and retains me within the loop. You probably have one good friend like him in life, you gained’t fear concerning the ones you don’t have. Vince has impacted me and to say I really like him could be an enormous understatement.

After I look again to 1977, I instantly take into consideration my early DJ days. However I additionally consider the night time I met Vince DeGregory Jr., beginning a friendship that has lasted my lifetime. Nobody is nearer or higher than Vince. After they made him, the mildew was damaged. And should you had been lucky to be considered one of his many, many mates. You had been higher off from the leap.

Vince, right here’s to 91, 92 and past. You might be an endangered species and a real present to life itself. Thanks for being the person you will have all the time been, to not point out a unbelievable mentor and good friend.

Fairly frankly, there isn’t a one higher!