Chris Antley | Polydrug Overdose Death

Chris Antley was an American jockey who dropped out of high school to participate in horse racing, eventually achieving global fame after winning numerous races. Unfortunately, Antley struggled with drug abuse and mental health problems throughout his career.

How Chris Antley Died

Chris Antley died in his Pasadena home on a Saturday night, December 2, 2000, at the age of 34 from a drug overdose. Antley’s death at first proved to be suspicious due to the severe trauma found on his body, and it was initially investigated as a homicide.

However, it was later revealed by the Los Angeles County Coroner that Antley had died from a drug overdose which led to his falling, causing blunt force trauma to the body.

About Chris Antley

Chris Antley was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on January 6, 1966. Antley became accustomed to moving around the country as he grew up in Elloree, South Carolina, and later resided in Baltimore, Maryland.

Early Career

Antley’s love for horse racing led him to take part in professional horse racing in Maryland at the age of 16, later moving to New York and New Jersey to continue his early career. In fact, by age 18, jockey Chris Antley won the United States Champion Jockey with a score of 469.

In 1987, he became the first jockey to win 9 races in a single day with mounts at Meadowlands and Aqueduct.

Kentucky Derby & Charismatic

During the 1990s, he moved to California. He won the Kentucky Derby in 1991 by riding Strike the Gold, a thoroughbred race horse.

In 1999, he competed in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, winning both races with the D. Wayne Lukas-trained Charismatic, an American thoroughbred known for winning the first two legs of the Triple Crown. During the Belmont Stakes of that same year, Charismatic suffered a leg injury on the race track.

This prompted Antley to jump off the horse at the finish line, hoping to help keep the horse calm and remain in place. Antley remained by the horse, holding its leg until the veterinarians could arrive.

Legacy

Antley’s wife, Natalie Jowett, gave birth to their daughter after his death. She was his first child. In 2015, he was posthumously inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, New York.

Chris Antley’s History Of Substance Abuse & Rehab

According to ABC News, Antley lost his New York jockey’s license in 1988 after testing positive for marijuana and cocaine. He suffered from depression and mental health issues as well.

Rehab

Antley attended a rehab clinic for substance abuse treatment during 1988 as stated by the Los Angeles Times. He also temporarily retired in 1997 due to drug use, attending a drug rehab program in Pasadena.

Recovery Is Possible

For those of you dealing with drug abuse or mental health issues, recovery is possible at Ark Behavioral Health. At our treatment center, we provide a range of inpatient and outpatient recovery options including forms of therapy, group counseling, and aftercare resources.

To learn about our treatment plans, please contact us today.