Santa Anita Park Publicity Department Santa Anita Park

Transcription

Santa Anita Park Publicity Department
Santa Anita Park
Telephone (All Area Code 626):
Telephone (All Area Code 626):
Mike Willman, Director of Publicity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack Disney, Media Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ed Golden, Staff Writer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Linda Meents, Race Wire Operator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Debbie Olsen, Publicity Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chris O'Leary, Press Box Steward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
574-6417
574-6418
574-6420
574-6419
574-6683
574-6419
Other Contacts
Amy J. Zimmerman, Director of Broadcasting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 574-6394
Benoit Photo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 574-6463
Racing Officials
Rick Hammerle, Vice President, Racing/Racing Secretary
Zachary Soto, Stakes Coordinator
Jay Slender, Starter; Dr. Jill Bailey, D.V.M., Track Veterinarian; Jon White,
Morning Line Maker; Richard Tedesco, Track Superintendent; Kevin
Colosi, Clerk of Scales; Trevor Denman, Public Address; Jay Cohen,
Hornblower.
Switchboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 574-7223
Publicity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 574-6396
Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 574-6682
Press Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 574-6419
Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 574-9860
Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 574-6395
Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 574-5074
Racing Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 574-6352
Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 446-5803
Oak Tree Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 574-6623
Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 447-2940
Street Address
285 West Huntington Drive
Arcadia, California 91007
Mailing Address
P. O. Box 600141
Arcadia, California 91066-6014
PAUL ATKINSON
Birthdate: May 20, 1969
Birthplace: Idaho Falls, Idaho
Height: 5’6”
Weight: 115 pounds
Wife: Ami
Children: Mackenzie and Sara Kendall
Residence: Monrovia
Santa Anita Stakes Wins
California Breeders’ Champion—Caracortado (2009)
California Cup Starter H. (OT)—His Legacy (1994)
Crystal Water H.—Journalism (1993)
Robert B. Lewis (GII)—Caracortado (2010)
Smile (OT)—Memo (1993)
Tokyo City Cup (GIII)—Memo (GII-1993)
Other Major Stakes Wins
Barretts Debutante (Fpx)—True Way of Grace (2010)
Bustle & Bows (Fpx)—Merida (1992)
California Juvenile (BM)—Robannier (1994)
Commonwealth H. (GII-Kee)—Memo (1994)
CTBA Marian (Fpx)—Made To Perfection (1995)
Gateway to Glory (Fpx)—Irish Bar (2005)
Glendale (TuP)—Catz (2002)
Governor's Cup H. (Fpx)—Memo (1994)
Great Arizona Shootout (TuP)—Try N Express (1998)
Harry Henson (Hol)—Stormin’ Lyon (2004)
Harvest (Fno)—Cool Gold Mood (1991)
Railbird (GIII-Hol)—Afto (1993)
Silver & Gold Invitational (Fpx)—Johns Policy (1991)
Triple Bend H. (GII-Hol)—Memo (1994)
Willard L. Proctor (Hol)—Genuine Talent (2006)
Highlights
• 500th career winner: At Santa Anita aboard Halloween Treat on March 1, 1996.
• At the age of 40 lost his first opportunity to ride in the Kentucky Derby when
Caracortado finished fourth in the 2010 Santa Anita Derby and failed to
qualify for the Run for the Roses following victories in the California Breeders’
Champion Stakes and Grade II Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita.
• Regular rider of multiple stakes winner Memo, who provided Grade II victories
in Santa Anita’s 1993 Tokyo City Cup Handicap (at that time the San Bernardino
Handicap), and Hollywood Park’s Triple Bend Handicap in 1994.
• Rode 17 winners at 1992 Del Mar meet, including three on longshots
Gloriousness ($44.20), Empress Eliza ($157) and Plus Perfect ($207.60).
• Tied Martin Pedroza for second in 1992 Fairplex standings with 27 wins.
Personal
• Received formal riding education in Utah at such outposts such as American
Fork, South Jordan and Beaver.
• Began riding at minor league tracks in Idaho in 1984. Began apprenticeship at
recognized tracks in 1985 when 16.
• Credits his success on major circuit to the late Charlie Whittingham, Dan
Hendricks, Mel Stute, Hector Palma, Sandy Shulman and Richard Mandella.
• Wife Ami is the Horsemen's Liaison representative at Santa Anita.
PAUL ATKINSON
TYLER BAZE
Birthdate: October 19, 1982
Birthplace: Seattle, Washington
Height: 5’4”
Weight: 110 pounds
Wife: Christina
Residence: Monrovia
Ancient Title BC (GI-OT)—Avanzado (2003); Cost of Freedom (2008)
Anoakia (OT)—Berriestoheaven (2006)
Arcadia H. (GII)—Dixie Chatter (2009)
Baldwin (GIII)—Ten Meropa (2008); Battle of Hastings (2009)
Blue Norther—Cee’s Irish (2005)
California Cup Distance H. (OT)—Century Park (2009)
California Cup Juvenile (OT)—Crackup (2002)
California Cup Juvenile Fillies (OT)—Runforthemoneybaby (2007)
California Cup Starter H. (OT)—Time to Honor (2005)
Carleton F. Burke H. (GIII-OT)—Special Matter (2002)
Cavonnier (OT)—Swiss Lad (2004)
Clement L. Hirsch Turf Championship (GI-OT)—Star Over the Bay (2004);
Crystal Water H.—Super Strut (2006)
El Cielo—Cayoke (2004)
El Conejo H. (GIII)—Areyoutalkintome (2005)
Frank E. Kilroe Mile H. (GI)—Ever a Friend (2008)
Harold C. Ramser, Sr. H. (GIII-OT)—Louvain (2005)
Impressive Luck H.—Ever a Friend (2007)
La Puente—Battle of Hastings (2009)
Las Cienegas H. (GIII)—Gotta Have Her (2009)
Las Palmas H. (GII-OT)—Mea Domina (2005)
Monrovia H. (GIII)—Icantgoforthat (2004); Awesome Lady (2005)
Morvich H. (GIII-OT)—Master Belt (2002)
Oak Leaf (GI-OT)—Blind Luck (2009)
Palos Verdes H. (GII)—Avanzado (2003); Major Success (2006)
Pro or Con H.—Super High (2004)
Robert B. Lewis (GII)—St Averil (2004)
San Fernando (GII)—Awesome Gem (2007); Papa Clem (2010)
San Luis Obispo H. (GII)—Persianlux (2001)
San Luis Rey H. (GII)—Boule d'Or (2008)
San Miguel (GIII)—Hosco (2004)
San Pasqual H. (GII)—Congrats (2005)
Santana Mile—Raise the Bluff (2007)
Santa Lucia H.—Devine Actress (2010)
Santa Paula (GIII)—Friendly Michelle (2004-ng); Carlsbad (2009)
Santa Ynez (GII)—Sharp Lisa (2005); Alpha Kitten (2009)
Santa Ysabel (GIII)—Century Park (2009)
Senator Ken Maddy H. (GIII-OT)—Gotta Have Her (2009)
Sunshine Millions Turf—Star Over the Bay (2005)
Tokyo City Cup H. (GIII)—Tap It Light (2010)
Adoration H. (Dmr)—Wake Up Maggie (2008)
Affirmed H. (GIII-Hol)—Golden Itiz (2010)
Alydar (Hol)—Blazing Sunset (2006)
American H. (GII-Hol)—Monterey Jazz (2009)
Ann Owens Distaff H. (TuP)—Jacksonville (2011)
Barona Cup (Dmr)—Shake Off (2004)
Barretts Debutante (Fpx)—Midnight Fandango (2000); Last Kiss (2002)
Bing Crosby BC H. (GI-Dmr)—Kela (2004)
TYLER BAZE
Black Swan (Fpx)—Warren’s Whistle (2000)
Californian (GII-Hol)—Informed (2009)
Citation H. (GI-Hol)—Hyperbaric (2008)
Colonial Turf Cup (GII-Cnl)—Battle of Hastings (2009)
Charles Whittingham Memorial H. (GI-Hol)—Sabiango (2004)
Clement L. Hirsch (GI-Dmr)—Ultra Blend (2011)
CTT & TOC H. (Dmr)—Marzelline (2008)
Del Mar H. (GII-Dmr)—Star Over the Bay (2004); Leprechaun Kid (2005)
Del Mar Futurity (GI-Dmr)—Midshipman (2008)
Derby Trial (Fpx)—First Journey (2000)
Forest Hills H. (Bel)—Avanzado (2002)
Gamely BC H. (GI-Hol)—Mea Domina (2005)
Gateway to Glory (Fpx)—Skipaslew (2003)
Generous Portion (Dmr)—Coastal Strike (2004)
Golden State Cup (Hol)—Lucky Primo (2011)
Haggin (Hol)—Expected Program (2001)
Hollywood Gold Cup (GI-Hol)—Mast Track (2008)
Hollywood Oaks (GII-Hol)—Carlsbad (2009)
Hollywood Starlet (GI-Hol)—Diplomat Lady (2005)
Hollywood Turf Express (Hol)—King Robyn (2003); Unusual Suspect (GIII-2008)
Honeymoon H. (GII-Hol)—Quero Quero (2003)
Lakeview Thoroughbred Farm (Hol)—Theresa’s Year (2002)
Landaluce (Hol)—Indian Breeze (2005)
Los Angeles H. (GIII-Hol)—Cost of Freedom (2010)
Maiden (Hol)—Lighten Up Tiny (2001)
Melair (Hol)—Leave Me Alone (2005)
Mervyn Leroy H. (GII-Hol)—Crown of Thorns (2011)
Moccasin (Hol)—No Bull Baby (2004); Evita Argentina (2008)
NTRA Great State Challenge Juvenile (Hou)—Crackup (2002)
Oceanside (Dmr)—Dr. Park (2001-2nd div.); Afleet Eagle (2009)
Osunitas H. (Dmr)—Voz De Colegiala (2004)
Palomar H. (GII-Dmr)—Mea Domina (2006); Gotta Have Her (2009)
Pat O’Brien BC H. (GII-Dmr)—Kela (2004)
Phil D. Shepherd (Fpx)—Literal Prowler (2001)
Pirate’s Bounty (Dmr)—Avanzado (2002); Our New Recruit (2004)
Rancho Bernardo H. (GIII-Dmr)—Carlsbad (2009)
Real Good Deal (Dmr)—Waingarth (2001)
Robert K. Kerlan Memorial H. (Hol)—Railroad (2006)
Royal Heroine Mile (GII-Hol)—Gotta Have Her (2010)
San Diego H. (GII-Dmr)—Informed (2009)
Sorrento (GIII-Dmr)—Evita Agentina (2008); Mi Sueno (2009)
Sunland Park Oaks (Sun)—Harissa (2010)
Sunset H. (GII-Hol)—Star Over the Bay (2004)
Swaps (GII-Hol)—Tres Borrachos (2008)
Virginia Derby (GII-Cnl)—Battle of Hastings (2009)
Will Rogers (GIII-Hol)—Dr. Park (2001)
Willard L. Proctor Memorial (Hol)—Expected Program (2001)
Windy Sands H. (Dmr)—Wanna Runner (2007)
Highlights
• First win: Fleeting Wonder on Oct. 31, 1999 at Oak Tree.
• First Grade I win: Avanzado in Oak Tree’s 2003 Ancient Title Breeders’ Cup
Handicap. Experiences that year included riding in first Kentucky Derby,
Breeders’ Cup race and Dubai World Cup.
• 1,000th career win: Aboard Mashiko on March 11, 2005 at Santa Anita.
• Eclipse Award winner: In 2000 as North America’s leading apprentice jockey.
Became first Southern California-based rider to gain the accomplishment since
Steve Valdez in 1973. While often riding on Mondays and Tuesdays at Turf
Paradise, recorded 239 victories before losing his apprenticeship on Dec. 12. His
246 winners for year topped all Southern California-based jockeys.
• Riding titles: Hollywood Park: 2004 spring/summer; Oak Tree: 2007.
• Led all riders at 2004 Hollywood Park spring/summer meet with 59 winners to
achieve first riding title. At 21, was the youngest to win a Hollywood spring/summer crown since Laffit Pincay Jr. did it in 1968 when two months younger than
Baze.
• Realized standout year in 2004 when mounts earned $10.1 million from 239
victories. Included were Grade I winners Star Over the Bay (Clement L. Hirsch
Turf Championship at Oak Tree), Sabiango (Charles Whittingham Memorial
Handicap at Hollywood Park) and Kela (Bing Crosby Breeders’ Cup Handicap at
Del Mar).
• Following a slump that spanned some two years and corresponded to personal
problems, fought his way back to prominence in late 2007 by winning Oak Tree’s
riding title with 29 victories, four more than runner-up Victor Espinoza, after
finishing second to perennial leader Martin Pedroza at Fairplex Park with 31
wins to Pedroza’s 35. “We’ve seen Tyler completely dive into getting back on
top,” commented top trainer Doug O’Neill. “He’s in the zone, physically and
mentally.” Said Baze, “I’ve learned to be appreciative. I’ll never take success for
granted again.”
• Secured a spot among nation’s Top 20 riders in 2008 with earnings of $8.3 million and did not slack off in 2009 when his over 20 stakes victories included a
2 1/2-length score atop Blind Luck in Oak Tree’s Grade I Oak Leaf Stakes. Won
three stakes with Gotta Have Her in 2009 prior to a fast-closing second against
males in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint won by California Flag. Gained thirdplace finishes in the two-day World Championships event at Oak Tree aboard a
troubled Blind Luck (Juvenile Fillies) and Cost of Freedom (Sprint).
• His 2008 victories included three Grade I events topped by the Hollywood Gold
Cup, which he captured with an eleventh-hour pick-up mount, Mast Track, who,
at a payoff of $23.60, provided “my biggest win.” Baze became open after scheduled mount Lava Man was declared. Bobby Frankel, owner, trainer and breeder
of Mast Track, was looking for a jockey who could ride at 113 pounds. “I’d been
watching my weight,” said Baze following the wire-to-wire upset. “It was worth it.”
• After registering three graded stakes victories at Hollywood Park’s spring/summer meet in 2010, suffered severe facial injuries on the fifth day of the Del Mar
meeting when struck by the head of his mount, Night Justice, in a freak accident
behind the starting gate on July 24. Surgery to repair fractures in orbital bones
near his right eye resulted in a protracted absence from racing.
• Returned to action on April 29, 2011 at Hollywood Park. Four months later, he
captured his first Grade I event since returning from the eye injury when riding
10-1 shot Ultra Blend to victory in Del Mar’s $300,000 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes
on Aug. 6. Later that month at Del Mar, his comeback would be tempered when
stewards removed Baze from all his mounts after he failed a Breathalyzer test. He
subsequently signed an agreement stipulating that the racing board could test him
at any time.
• Recorded first Santa Anita stakes victory aboard Persianlux ($57.20) in the San
Luis Obispo Handicap on Feb. 17, 2001.
• Finished second in standings with 63 wins at 2000-01 Santa Anita meet.
Runner-up to Pat Valenzuela for Oak Tree crown in 2003, 34-33.
• Spent winter 1999-2000 at Turf Paradise and rode 109 winners while posting
20.3 win percentage.
• Spent 1999 summer breaking horses for trainer John Sadler.
Personal
• Comes from famous Baze racing family of the Pacific Northwest and grew up
near now-defunct Longacres. Jockey Gary Baze is Tyler’s uncle and Hall of Famer
Russell Baze is a second cousin.
• Father Earl and mother Cammie also were jockeys.
• Learned ropes from veteran agent Ivan Puhich. Credits jockey Chance Rollins
with teaching him much about being a successful rider.
• Missed time after 2005 Del Mar season due to eating disorder.
• His 2007 resurgence coincided with the hiring of agent Ron Ebanks earlier in the
year. The jockey stopped riding, dealt with bulimia, found a fitness coach and
went to AA meetings on his long climb back after struggling through a 62-race
losing streak at Del Mar in 2005.
TYLER BAZE
Rafael Bejarano
Birthdate: June 23, 1982
Birthplace: Arequipa, Peru
Height: 5’2”
Weight: 105 pounds
Breeders' Cup Wins
Distaff (GI)—Ginger Punch (2007-Mth)
Filly & Mare Turf (GI)—Intercontinental (2005-Bel)
Juvenile Sprint—Secret Circle (2011-CD)
Arcadia H. (GII)—Silent Name (2006)
Buena Vista H. (GII)—Tuscan Evening (2010)
California Breeders’ Champion (Colts)—All Saint (2008); Thirtyfirststreet (2010)
California Cup Classic—Norvsky (2011-SA)
California Cup Distaff H.—Bootleg Annie (2009-OT); Unzip Me (2011-SA)
California Cup Juvenile— Rousing Sermon (2011-SA)
California Cup Juvenile Fillies—Starlight Magic (2011-SA)
California Cup Starter Sprint H. (OT)—Kool Comic (2008)
California Sky (OT)—Dance With Gable (2009)
Clocker’s Corner H.—Unzip Me (2011)
Eddie Logan—Flashmans Papers (2008)
El Conejo H. (GIII)—In Summation (2009)
El Encino (GII)—Always a Princess (2011)
Frank E. Kilroe Mile (GI)—Fluke (2011)
Irish O’Brien—Unzip Me (2010)
Jack Goodman—Backbackbackgone (2008-OT); Secret Circle (2011-SA)
La Habra (GIII)—Passion (2008)
Las Palmas H. (GII-OT)—Tuscan Evening (2009)
Las Virgenes (GI)—Golden Doc A (2008); Blind Luck (2010)
La Zanzara H.—Caprice (2009)
Monrovia H. (GIII)—Alexandra Rose (2008); Tuscan Evening (2010); Unzip Me
(2011)
Oak Leaf (GI)—Weemissfrankie (2011-SA)
Palos Verdes H. (GII)—In Summation (2008)
Paseana H.—Victorina (2009)
San Antonio (GII)—Gladding (2011)
San Gabriel H. (GII)—Proudinsky (2008, 2009); Jeranimo (2010)
San Juan Capistrano Invitational H. (GII)—Big Booster (2008); Bourbon Bay
(2010); Juniper Pass (2011)
San Luis Obispo H. (GII)—Bourbon Bay (2010)
San Luis Rey H. (GII)—Bourbon Bay (2010); Juniper Pass (2011)
San Marcos (GII)—Bourbon Bay (2011)
Santa Ana (GII) —Tuscan Evening (2010); Malibu Pier (2011)
Santa Anita H. (GI)—Heatseeker (2008)
Santa Barbara H. (GII)—Tuscan Evening (2010)
Santa Maria H. (GI)—Double Trouble (2008)
Santana Mile H.—Monzante (2008)
Santa Paula—Mildly Offensive (2011)
Santa Ysabel (GIII)—May Day Rose (2010)
San Vicente (GII)—Georgie Boy (2008)
Sensational Star H.—Liberian Freighter (2009)
Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Sprint—Quisisana (2010)
Sunshine Millions Turf—Soldier’s Dancer (2009)
Tuzla H. (GIII)—Foxysox (2009)
Wishing Well II H.—Dawn After Dawn (2009)
RAFAEL BEJARANO
Ack Ack H. (GIII-Hol)—Rebellion (2008)
Adirondack (GII-Sar)—More Happy (2007)
Affirmed H. (GIII-Hol)—Grazen (2009)
Alcibiades (GI-Kee)—Wickedly Perfect (2010)
Alydar (Hol)—Awesome Patriot (2011)
Alysheba (GIII-CD)—Giant Gizmo (2008)
Amsterdam (GII-Sar)—Most Distinguished (2007)
Arkansas Derby (GII-OP)—Papa Clem (2009)
Bayakoa H. (GII-Hol)—Washington Bridge (2010)
Best Pal (GII-Dmr)—Azul Leon (2008); Creative Cause (2011)
Bing Crosby (GI-Dmr)—Euroears (2011)
Blue Grass (GI-Kee)—Dominican (2007)
Brandywine (Prx)—Say a Novena (2011)
B. Thoughtful (Hol)—Waveline (2009)
California Dreamin’ H. (Dmr)—Norvsky (2011)
Californian (GII-Hol)—Heatseeker (2008); Rail Trip (2010)
Canadian (GII-WO)—Princess Haya (2009)
Carter H. (GI-Aqu)—Forest Danger (2005)
Churchill Downs H. (GII-CD)—Saint Anndan (2007)
Cinderella (Hol)—Trifecta King (2008); She’ll Heir (2010)
Cotillion (GII-Prx)—Plum Pretty (2011)
Daisycutter H. (Dmr)—Unzip Me (2011)
Darley Alcibiades (GI-Kee)—Country Star (2007)
Del Mar Debutante (GI-Dmr)—Weemissfrankie (2011)
Delta Princess (DeD)—By the Light (2007)
Eddie Read H. (GI-Dmr)—Monzante (2008)
El Cajon (Dmr)—Slew’s Tiznow (2008)
El Segundo (Hol)—Canteen (2008)
Excelsior BC H. (GIII-Aqu)—Offlee Wild (2005)
Fantasy (GII-OP)—Blind Luck (2010)
First Flight H. (GII-Bel)—Ginger Punch (2007)
Fleet Treat (Dmr)—Lethal Heat (2008)
Forward Pass (AP)—Amazing Results (2008)
Fran’s Valentine (Hol)—Bootleg Annie (2009); U R All That I Am (2010)
Gallorette H. (GIII-Pim)—Social Queen (2009)
Gallant Man H. (Hol)—Big Booster (2008)
Gamely (GI-Hol)—Precious Kitten (2008); Tuscan Evening (2010)
Graduation (Dmr)—Bench Points (2010)
Generous Portion (Dmr)—Camille C (2009)
Go For Wand H. (GI-Sar)—Ginger Punch (2007, 2008)
Grey Memo (Hol)—Tribal Justice (2009)
Great Lady M. H. (Hol)—Silky Smooth (2008)
Gulfstream Park BC H. (GI-GP)—Einstein (2006)
Harry Henson (Hol)—Backbackbackgone (2009)
Hirsch Jacobs (GIII-Tam)—Street Magician (2007)
Hollywood Juvenile Championship (GIII-Hol)—Azul Leon (2008)
Hollywood Oaks (GII-Hol)—Lethal Heat (2008)
Hollywood Starlet (GI-Hol)—Country Star (2007); Blind Luck (2009)
Honeymoon H. (GII-Hol)—Sarah’s Secret (2011)
Honor Glide (AP)—Snoose Goose (2008)
Honorable Miss (GII-Sar)—Burmilla (2007)
Humana Distaff H. (GI-CD)—Hystericalady (2007)
I’m Smokin (Dmr)—Bench Points (2010)
Iowa Derby (GIII-PrM)—Prayer for Relief (2011)
Iowa Distaff (PrM)—Freedom Star (2011)
John C. Mabee H. (GI-Dmr)—Precious Kitten (2007)
Kentucky Oaks (GI-CD)—Blind Luck (2010)
Lane’s End Breeders’ Futurity (GI-Kee)—Consolidator (2004);
Square Eddie (2008)
Lazaro Barrera Memorial (GIII-Hol)—Bench Points (2011)
Life is Sweet (Hol)—Washington Bridge (2010)
Lone Star Derby (GIII-LS)—El Gato Malo (2008)
Louisville (GII-CD)—Ginger Punch (2008)
Matriarch (GI-Hol)—Precious Kitten (2007)
Melair (Hol)—Bel Air Sizzle (2008); Pretty Unusual (2009); Camille C (2010)
Mervyn LeRoy H. (GII-Hol)—Rail Trip (2010)
Miesque (GIII-Hol)—Neversaidiwassweet (2010)
Modesty H. (GIII-AP)—Tuscan Evening (2010)
Native Diver H. (GIII-Hol)—Mast Track (2009)
Northern Dancer (GIII-CD)—Suave (2004)
Oceanside (Dmr)—Kilderry (2008)
Ogden Phipps H. (GI-Bel)—Ginger Punch (2008)
Old Hat S. (GIII-GP)—Dream Rush (2007)
Personal Ensign (GI-Sar)—Ginger Punch (2008)
Peter Pan (GII-Bel)—Sunriver (2006)
Pirate’s Bounty (Dmr)—Gato Go Win (2010)
Phoenix (GIII-Kee)—Wise Dan (2010)
Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (GI-Kee)—Sweet Talker (2005)
Rampart H. (GII-GP)—Miss Shop (2007)
Redondo Beach (Hol)—Tuscan Evening (2009)
Remington Green (RP)—Cherokee Lord (2011)
Royal Heroine Mile (GII-Hol)—Tuscan Evening (2009); Celtic Princess (2011)
San Clemente H. (GII-Dmr)—Up In Time (2011)
San Diego H. (GII-Dmr)—Tres Borrachos (2011)
Senator Ken Maddy H. (GIII-OT-Hol)—Unzip Me (2010)
Shadwell Turf Mile (GI-Kee)—Host (2005)
Sharp Cat (Hol)—Pamona Ball (2008)
Sorrento (GIII-Dmr)—Wickedly Perfect (2010)
Stephen Foster (GI-CD)—Colonial Colony (2004)
Sunshine Millions Distaff (GP)—Ginger Punch (2008)
Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf (GP)—Miss Shop (2007)
Super Derby (GII-LaD)—Prayer for Relief (2011)
Swingtime (OT-Hol)—Burg Berg (2010)
Time To Leave (Hol)—Saint Isabelle (2011)
Tiznow (Hol)—Liberian Freighter (2009)
Tropical Turf H. (GIII-Crc)—Ballast (2006)
Tsunami Slew (Hol)—Midnight Interlude (2011)
Unbridled (LaD)—Golden Yank (2011)
Very Subtle (CD)—Sugar Swirl (2007)
War Chant (Hol)—Slew’s Tiznow (2008)
Warren’s Thoroughbreds (Hol)—Excellent News (2010); Going for a Spin (2011)
West Virginia Derby (GII-Mnr)—Prayer for Relief (2011)
West Virginia Governor’s H. (Mnr)—Modern Cowboy (2011)
West Virginia Senate President’s Cup H. (Mnr)—Kiss Mine (2011)
Windy Sands H. (Dmr)—Albertus Maximus (2008)
Woodford Reserve Turf Classic (GI-CD)—General Quarters (2010)
Yellow Ribbon (GI-OT-Hol)—Hibaayeb (2010)
Highlights
• First winner: John Bobby at River Downs on July 10, 2002.
• 1,000th winner: First race at Keeneland on Oct. 14, 2005.
• First Grade I winner: Colonial Colony at odds of 62-1 in Stephen Foster at
Churchill Downs on June 18, 2005.
• After sweeping each of Southern California’s five major riding titles at the age
of 26 in 2008 to match an accomplishment achieved only by Chris McCarron
(1983) and Patrick Valenzuela (2003), equaled McCarron’s mark of six straight
meet championships when repeating at Santa Anita by taking the 2008/09 title
with 99 victories, 13 more than second place Garrett Gomez. The remarkable
streak ended with a runner-up finish to Joel Rosario at Hollywood Park’s Spring/
Summer Meet in 2009. Missed over one month of the 2009 Del Mar meet following an opening-day spill in which he suffered fractures of the jaw, nose and
orbital bones.
• Back in action at the 2009 Oak Tree meet, secured yet another riding title when,
after a meet-long duel with Rosario, emerged as the winner on the final day with
a 31-30 edge over his rival. His 2010 season began with a third straight riding
title at Santa Anita’s winter/spring session during which he rode 94 winners, 21
more than runner-up Rosario. He became the first jockey to gain three successive
Santa Anita riding titles since Laffit Pincay Jr. accomplished the feat from 197981. While ranking third on the national earnings list in 2010, his Grade I victories included a triumph aboard Blind Luck in the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill
Downs.
RAFAEL BEJARANO
• His 310 victories in 2010 were his most since a career high 455 in 2004. He and
Rosario continued to dominate the Southern California riding colony. Through
the 2011 Santa Anita Autumn Meet, one or the other had led 18 straight major
California meets. Either had been victorious in virtually one of every four races
dating to Santa Anita’s opening day in late 2007.
• Won his tenth Southern California riding title on the final day of Santa Anita’s
2011 Autumn Meet when edging Rosario by a single victory, 32-31. During the
Autumn Meet, he scored riding victories in four of the five California Cup events
including Norvsky in the Classic to climax a five-win afternoon.
• After resettling in Southern California in time for the 2007-08 Santa Anita meet
at the urging of Hall of Fame trainer Bobby Frankel, virtually took the Southland
by storm with his stream of riding championships. Became the nation’s second
leading rider behind Gomez in 2008 with earnings of $16.4 million. Ranked
third in stakes victories as well as graded stakes wins. His 1,290 victories placed
him ninth nationally. His wins included the $1-million Santa Anita Handicap
with a torrid finish aboard 7-1 shot Heatseeker and five stakes victories atop 2007
older female champion Ginger Punch including three Grade I events in 2008.
• Took the Santa Anita riding crown by four victories, 67-63, over 2007 Eclipse
winner Garrett Gomez despite missing three weeks with two fractured vertebrae;
won at Hollywood Park with 56 victories, 11 more than runner-up Joel Rosario;
topped the Del Mar standings by nine over Rosario, 45-36, and edged Gomez,
30-27, at Oak Tree for fourth consecutive riding title in Southern California.
• While dominating the Southern California scene in 2008, found time to meet
demands in the East where scored Grade I victories at Saratoga with Ginger
Punch in the Personal Ensign and Go for Wand Handicap; at Belmont aboard
Ginger Punch in the Ogden Phipps Handicap, and at Keeneland with Square
Eddie in the Lane’s End Breeders’ Futurity. Won additional stakes races at
Arlington Park, Churchill Downs, Gulfstream Park and Lone Star Park.
• Notched his second Breeders’ Cup victory in the 2007 Distaff as Ginger Punch
got the better of Hystericalady in a torrid stretch duel to win by a neck at
Monmouth Park. His first Breeders’ Cup win was more decisive when 15-1 shot
Intercontinental took the 2005 Filly & Mare Turf by 1 1/4 lengths at Belmont
Park. Gained his third Breeders’ Cup win in the first Juvenile Sprint in 2011
when 2-5 favorite Secret Circle prevailed by one-length at Churchill Downs for
trainer Bob Baffert.
• After finishing tenth in the national earnings standings in 2006 as his mounts
banked in excess of $12.3 million, enjoyed an even better year in 2007 when
ranked fifth with purse earnings of just over $14 million. His best finish previously was fourth in 2005 when mounts earned better than $15.8 million.
• Won 455 races to lead all North American jockeys in 2004, his total exceeding
that of runner-up Ramon Dominguez by 72 victories.
• Was victorious in a track-record seven races at Turfway Park on March 12, 2004
before adding five the following day and going on to end the meet with 196 victories, demolishing the old record of 114.
• In only his second visit to Santa Anita, won six races from nine mounts including four in succession and the Grade II Arcadia Handicap aboard Silent Name at
$14.40. Only Laffit Pincay Jr. – with seven – has won more races in a single day
at the historic track.
• The Peruvian native was warmly embraced by Southern California fans on his
six-win day. “I would love to stay here,” he told reporters afterward. “I love this
place.” The memory appears to have been influential in his announced plans to
relocate to Southern California in ample time for the Santa Anita 2007-2008
meet.
• Riding Titles: Santa Anita (2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10), Autumn Meet (2011);
Oak Tree (2008, 2009, 2010); Hollywood Park (spring/summer 2008; fall 2008);
Del Mar (2008); Churchill Downs (spring 2005; fall 2005); Keeneland (fall
2005); Turfway Park (2005), Ellis Park (2005).
Personal
• “Fell in love” with racing in his native Peru where he attended the country’s riding school, remaining for 1 1/2 years as he groomed horses to earn his keep.
• Began his riding career on Dec. 8, 1999 in Peru and quickly became the leading
apprentice at Hippodromo de Monterrico.
• Immigrated to the United States in May of 2002 with the assistance of trainer
Dante Zanelli Sr., and commenced his U.S. career at River Downs in Cincinnati.
His parents and two sisters continue to reside in Peru and are not involved in
racing.
Brice Blanc
Birthdate: January 16, 1973
Birthplace: Lyon, France
Height: 5'3"
Weight: 110 pounds
Wife: Molly
Children: Jarrett Maxime
Residence: Arcadia
Arcadia H. (GII)—Falcon Flight (2000)
Baldwin—Fortifier (GIII-2000)
Buena Vista H. (GII)—Lexa (2000); Blue Moon (2002)
California Cup Matron H. (OT)—Queenie Belle (2000)
California Cup Starter H. (OT)—As We Know It (2001)
Crystal Water H.—Jack’s Wild (2007)
Daytona H.—Night Chapter (2007)
Henry P. Russell H. (OT)—Ward Hunt (1999)
June Darling (OT)—Unaflame (1996)
Lady's Secret (GI-OT)—Queenie Belle (GII-2001)
La Habra—High Society (2002)
La Puente—Golden Balls (2007)
Las Palmas H. (GII)—Onceinabluemamoon (1995-OT); All Star Heart (2011-SA)
Morvich H. (GIII-OT—Riviera (1999)
San Juan Capistrano Inv. H. (GII)—Passinetti (GI-2003)
San Luis Obispo H. (GII)—Shanawi (1997)
San Marcos H. (GII)—One Off (2007)
San Pasqual H. (GII)—Hal's Pal (1998)
Santa Barbara H. (GII)—Malibu Pier (2011)
Swingtime—All Star Heart (2011-SA)
Survive—Image of Glory (2000)
American H. (GII-Hol)—Global Hunter (2010)
Arlington H. (GIII-AP)—Senor Swinger (2004)
Barretts Juvenile (Fpx)—Nene (2007)
Berkeley H. (GIII-GG)—Hal's Pal (1999)
Bertrando (Hol)—Vetheuil (1999)
Beverly Hills H. (GIII-Hol)—Happyanunoit (GII-2000); Malibu Pier (2011)
California Turf Championship (BM)—Native Desert (2000, 2001);
Jack’s Wild (2007)
Cat's Cradle H. (Hol)—Supercilious (1997)
Cinema BC H. (GIII-Hol)—Fighting Falcon (1999)
Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile H. (TuP)—Crested (2008)
Dallas Turf Cup H. (GIII-LS)—Church Service (2008)
Del Mar H. (Dmr)—Sayarshan (1999)
Del Mar Debutante (GI-Dmr)—Set Play (2007)
Del Mar Oaks (GI-Dmr)—Famous Digger (1997)
Distaff BC H. (Aqu)—Honest Lady (2000)
Eatontown (GIII-Mth)—Karen’s Caper (2007)
Fastness H. (GIII-Hol)—Senure (2000)
Gamely BC (GI-Hol)—Happyanunoit (2001)
Golden Gate H. (GG)—Sayarshan (1999)
Gulfstream Park BC H. (GI-GP)—Prince Arch (2005)
Honeymoon BC H. (GII-Hol)—Famous Digger (1997)
Indiana Derby (GII-Hoo)—Don’t Get Mad (2005)
Jim Murray Memorial H. (GII-Hol)—On the Acorn (2008)
John C. Mabee H. (GI-Dmr)—Caffe Latte (2000)
Lane’s End (GII-TP)—With a City (2006)
BRICE BLANC
Live The Dream H. (Dmr)—Crystal Hearted (1999); Lonesome Dude (2001)
Matriarch (GI-Hol)—Happyanunoit (1999)
Miss America (BM)—Alexine (2001)
Nearctic (GII-WO)—Kahal (2000)
New Year's Day Claiming (GG)—Tavildaran (1999)
Palomar H. (GII-Dmr)—Happyanunoit (GIII-1999)
Princess (GII-Hol)—Queenie Belle (2000)
Queen of the Green (TuP)—Alexine (2001)
Redondo Beach (Hol)—Turning Top (2010)
San Clemente H. (GII-Dmr)—Famous Digger (1997)
San Francisco Mile (GII-GG)—Wavy Run (1997); Tuzla (1999)
Shakertown (GIII-Kee)—No Jacket Required (2003)
Stars & Stripes (GIII-AP)—Reved Up (2005)
Steinlen (Hol)—Lonesome Dude (2001)
Sunset BC H. (GII-Hol)—Grammarian (2002)
Tanforan H. (BM)—Kirkwall (1999)
Tiznow (Hol)—Stella Mark (2008)
Vinery First Lady (GI-Kee)—Happyanunoit (1999)
Wickerr H. (Dmr)—Crystal Hearted (1999)
William P. Kyne H. (BM)—Hal's Pal (1998)
Highlights
• First winner: Gulf Tide on Feb. 5, 1995, at Santa Anita, at odds of 19-1, for the
late trainer Rodney Rash.
• First stakes winner: Onceinabluemamoon in the Las Palmas Handicap on
Oct. 15, 1995.
• First Grade I winner: Famous Digger in the 1997 Del Mar Oaks.
• Guided Happyanunoit to back-to-back Grade I victories in the Vinery First Lady
at Keeneland and the Matriarch at Hollywood Park in the fall of 1999. Then rode
Happyanunoit to victory in the Grade I Beverly Hills Handicap at Hollywood
Park, July 2000. Also guided the New Zealand-bred to victory in the Grade I
Gamely Breeders' Cup Handicap at Hollywood in May 2001.
• Gained first Grade I stakes win at Santa Anita in the 2003 running of the historic
San Juan Capistrano Invitational Handicap when he rode Passinetti to victory for
trainer Ben Cecil.
• Enjoyed stellar year in 1999 when rode 64 winners to earn over $4.1 in purses
with more than 20 percent of his victories coming in stakes races.
• Turned in a brilliant ride aboard Sayarshan – in his first U.S. start – to win the
1999 Golden Gate Handicap by 1 1/2 lengths. Came back a couple of months
later to beat Ladies Din and a fine field in the Grade II Del Mar Handicap.
• Piloted Tuzla to a win over males in the 1999 San Francisco Mile at Golden Gate
in April.
• Finished second in the 1996 Santa Anita Handicap aboard Luthier Fever for
trainer Ted West.
• After moving his base to Kentucky for several years, returned to Southern
California for the 2006 Del Mar meet. Won his first graded stakes race on the
West Coast since his return when directing One Off to victory at Santa Anita in
the 2007 running of the Grade II San Marcos Handicap. Took the Grade I Del
Mar Debutante during the summer aboard 14-1 longshot Set Play.
Personal
• Attended apprentice school in native France before coming to U.S. in October
1993.
• Attributes success to parents, Ellene and Francois, for their words of encouragement, and trainer Ben Cecil. Blanc also salutes the late Rodney Rash, who gave
him his first job, and trainers Charlie Whittingham, Jack Van Berg and the late
Walter Greenman for giving him opportunities to ride good horses.
Birthdate: February 27, 1970
Birthplace: Maurice, Louisiana
Height: 5’3”
Weight: 114 pounds
Children: Joshua and Jacob
Triple Crown Wins
Belmont (GI-Bel)—Summer Bird (2009)
Kentucky Derby (GI-CD)—Real Quiet (1998); Fusaichi Pegasus (2000);
Big Brown (2008)
Preakness (GI-Pim)—Real Quiet (1998); Big Brown (2008)
Breeders’ Cup Wins
Dirt Mile—Corinthian (2007-Mth)
Ladies’ Classic (GI)—Unrivaled Belle (2010-CD)
Sprint (GI)—Desert Stormer (1995-Bel)
Turf (GI)—Kotashaan (1993-SA)
Ancient Title BC (GI-OT)—Gray Slewpy (GIII-1992); Gold Land (GIII-1998)
Anoakia (OT)—Private World (2005)
Buena Vista H. (GII)—Marble Maiden (1993); Lyin To The Moon (1995)
California Breeders’ Champion (Fillies)—Memorette (2004)
California Cup Classic H. (OT)—Irisheyesareflying (2001)
California Cup Distaff H. (OT)—Bel's Starlet (1991-92)
California Cup Distance (OT)—Nicole’s Pursuit (2002); Moscow Burning (2005)
California Cup Juvenile (OT)—Crystal's Game (1990)
California Cup Juvenile Fillies (OT)—Private Persuasion (1993)
California Cup Sprint H. (OT)—Uncaged Fury (1994); Jet West (2005)
California Cup Starter Sprint H. (OT)—Rio Oro (2001)
Carleton F. Burke H. (GIII-OT)—Prussian Blue (1997)
Cavonnier (OT)—Excessive Barb (2002)
China Doll—Ticker Tape (2004)
Clement L Hirsch Turf Championship (GI-OT)—Kotashaan (1993)
Cover Gal (OT)—Malley Girl (2005)
Frank E. Kilroe Mile H. (GI)—Decarchy (GII-2002); Milk It Mick (2006)
Goodwood BC H. (GII-OT)—Reign Road (1992); Lottery Winner (1993);
Soul Of The Matter (1995); Freedom Crest (2001)
Harold C. Ramser Sr. H. (OT)—High Margin (2000)
La Brea (Gr. I)—Island Fashion (2004)
La Habra—Harriett Lane (2006)
La Puente—Chinese Dragon (2005)
Las Cienegas H. (GIII)—Rolly Polly (2002)
Las Flores H. (GIII)—Show Me The Stage (2000)
Las Virgenes (GI)—Excellent Meeting (1999)
Malibu (GI)—Afternoon Deelites (1995); King Of The Heap (1996);
Mizzen Mast (2001)
Monrovia H. (GIII)—Evening Promise (2000); Resplendency (2004)
Morvich H. (GIII-OT)—Geronimo (2005)
Norfolk BC (GII-OT)—River Special (GI-1992); Future Quest (1995); Stormello
(2006)
Oak Tree BC Mile (GII-OT)—Musical Chimes (2004)
Oak Tree Derby (GII-OT)—No Slip (2001)
Providencia (GIII)—Ticker Tape (2004)
Robert B. Lewis (GII)—Larry The Legend (1995); Labamta Babe (2002)
San Antonio H. (GII)—The Wicked North (1994)
HALL OF FAME - 2004
KENT DESORMEAUX
KENT DESORMEAUX
Sunny Slope (OT)—Our Shining Hour (2000); Roman Dancer (2001);
The Herc (2003)
Sunshine Millions Dash—Saint Afleet (2004)
Tuzla H.—Ticker Tape (2006)
Valiant Pete H.—Full Moon Madness (2002)
Winter Solstice—Penny Marie (2002)
Wishing Well—Elusive Diva (2005)
Yellow Ribbon Invitational (GI-OT)—Kostroma (1991); Super Staff (1992);
Aube Indienne (1994); Fiji (1998)
Ack Ack H. (GIII-CD)—Istan (2007)
A Gift (Bel)—Courageous Cat (2009)
A Gleam H. (GII-Hol)—Honest Lady (2000)
American H.(GII-Hol)—Toussaud (1993)
American Oaks Invitational (GI-Hol)—Ticker Tape (2004); Gozzip Girl (2009)
Arlington Million (GI-AP)—Kickin Kris (2004)
Ashland (GI-Kee)—Evening Jewel (2010)
Ashley T. Cole H. (Bel)—Banrock (2008, 2009)
Atto Mile (GI-WO)—Touch of the Blues (2003)
Azalea BC (GIII-Crc)—Leave Me Alone (2005)
Barbaro (Del)—Awesome Bet (2011)
Bay Shore (GIII-Aqu)—Roman Dancer (2002)
Ben Ali (GIII-Kee)—Jade’s Revenge (2007); Parading (2009)
Beverly D (GI-AP)—Kostroma (1992); Mauralakana (2008); Dynaforce (2009)
Beverly Hills H. (GI-Hol)—Beautiful Melody (1990-DH); Astra (2001)
Black-Eyed Susan (GII-Pim)—Jostle (2000)
Bien Bien (Hol)—Mizzen Mast (2001); Music’s Storm (2002)
Bourbon (GIII-Kee)—Interactif (2009)
Breeders’ Futurity (GI-Kee)—Dullahan (2011)
Californian (GII-Hol)—Another Review (1992); The Wicked North (1994);
River Keen (1997); Milwaukee Brew (2002)
Cardinal H. (GIII-CD)—Indescribable (2008)
HALL OF FAME - 2004
San Felipe (GII)—Soul of the Matter (1994); Afternoon Deelites (1995);
Fusaichi Pegasus (2000
San Fernando BC (GII)—Best Pal (1992); Wekiva Springs (1995); Saint’s Honor
(2000)
San Gabriel H. (GII)—Irish Prize (2001)
San Juan Capistrano H. (GII)—Delegant (GI-1990); Kotashaan (GI-1993);
Single Empire (GI-1999)
San Luis Obispo H. (GII)—Kotashaan (1993); Fanmore (1994)
San Luis Rey H. (GII)—Kotashaan (1993)
San Marino H.—Majorian (2000)
San Pasqual H. (GII)—Kingdom Found (1997)
San Pedro—Roman Dancer (2002)
San Rafael (GII)—Devoted Brass (1993); Larry The Legend (1995); War Chant
(2000)
San Vicente (GII)—Afternoon Deelites (1995); Sea Of Secrets (1998);
Archer City Slew (2000)
Santa Ana H. (GII)—Noble And Nice (GI-1991-dh); Possibly Perfect (GI-1994);
Fiji (GI-1998); See You Soon (1999)
Santa Anita Derby (GI)—Free House (1997)
Santa Anita H. (GI)—Best Pal (1992); Milwaukee Brew (2002)
Santa Anita Oaks (GI)—Golden Treat (1992); Lakeway (1994); Hedonist
(1998); Excellent Meeting (1999)
Santa Barbara H. (GII)—Kostroma (GI-1992); Possibly Perfect (GI-1994);
Auriette (1996); Fiji (1998); Astra (2002)
Santa Maria H. (GI)—Race The Wild Wind (1993)
Santa Monica H. (GI)—Nany’s Sweep (2001); Island Fashion (2004)
Santa Ynez (GII)—Looie Capote (1992); Honest Lady (1999)
Santana Mile—Skipaslew (2005)
Sen. Ken Maddy H. (GIII-OT)—Evening Promise (2000)
Sham (GIII)—USS Tinosa (2002)
Sir Beaufort—Fateful Dream (2000); Chinese Dragon (2005-1st div.)
Skywalker (OT)—Larry The Legend (1997)
Strub (GII)—Best Pal (GI-1992); Mizzen Mast (2002); Domestic Dispute
(2004)
Empire Classic H. (Bel)—Dr. V’s Magic (2007)
Fantasy (GI-OP)—Excellent Meeting (1999)
Firecracker H. (GII-CD)—Thorn Song (2008); Mr. Sidney (2009)
Florida Derby (GI-GP)—Big Brown (2008)
Fort Harrod (Kee)—Gangbuster (2009)
Fountain of Youth S. (GII-GP)—Cool Coal Man (2008)
Fourstardave H. (GII-Sar)—Silver Tree (2007)
Fran’s Valentine (Hol)—Moscow Burning (2004)
Gamely BC H. (GI-Hol)—Toussaud (1993); Possibly Perfect (1995); Auriette
(1996); Astra (2000, 2002)
Glens Falls H. (GIII-Sar)—Mushka (2009)
Golden Gate BC H. (GIII-GG)—No Slip (2002)
Golden Gate Derby (GIII-GG)—Pacificbounty (1997)
Grand Canyon H. (CD)—Old Man Buck (2007)
Haskell Invitational (GI-Mth)—Big Brown (2008)
Hollywood Futurity (GI-Hol)—Afternoon Deelites (1994); Real Quiet (1997);
Stormello (2006)
Hollywood BC Oaks (GII-Hol)—Pacific Squall (GI-1992); Lakeway (GI-1994);
Kumari Continent (2000)
Hollywood Prevue (GIII-Hol)—Afternoon Deelites (1994); Massive Drama (2007)
Hollywood Starlet (GI-Hol)—Splendid Blended (2004)
Hollywood Turf Express H. (GIII-Hol)—Advancing Star (1997)
Illinois Derby (GII-Spt)—Wild Rush (1997); Greeley’s Galaxy (2005);
Sweetnorthernsaint (2006)
Jenny Wiley (GIII-Kee)—Tates Creek (2002)
Jerome H. (GII-Bel)—Fusaichi Pegasus (2000)
Jim Murray Memorial H. (GIII-Hol)—Skipping (2002)
Jockey Club Gold Cup (GI-Bel)—Summer Bird (2009)
John C. Mabee H. (GI-Dmr)—Musical Chimes (2004)
John Morrissey (Sar)—Law Enforcement (2009)
John’s Call (Sar)—Revved Up (2007)
Kent (GIII-Del)—Adriano (2008)
Kentucky Cup Sprint (GII-TP)—Partner’s Hero (GI-1997); Caller One
(GI-2000)
HALL OF FAME - 2004
Caress (Bel)—Stormy West (2008)
Carter H. (GI-Aqu)—Wild Rush (1998)
Cat’s Cradle H. (Hol)—Cris The Swimmer (1999); Lazy Slusan (2000)
Charles Whittingham H. (GI-Hol)—White Heart (2000)
Chenery (Cnl)—Z Appeal (2010)
Churchill Downs H. (GII-CD)—D’Wildcat (2002)
Churchill Distaff Turf Mile (GII-CD)—Aviate (2011)
Cinema BC H. (GIII-Hol)—Inesperado (2002); Just Wonder (2003)
Clark H. (GIII-CD)—Balthazar B. (1988); Premium Tap (GI-2006)
Coconut Grove (GP)—Gozzip Girl (2009)
Colonial Turf Cup (GII-Cnl)—Paddy O’Prado (2010)
Comely (GII-Aqu)—Miraculous Miss (2006)
Commonwealth (GII-Kee)—Together Indy (2010)
Count Fleet (GIII-OP)—High Stakes Player (1997)
Dahlia H. (GII-Hol)—Petalia (1990)
Darley Ocala Breeders’ Sale Championship (OTC)—Halo Najib (2008)
Debutante (GIII-CD)—Flashy Lassie (2011)
Del Mar H. (GII-Dmr)—My Style (1991)
Del Mar Debutante (GII-Dmr)—Vivid Angel (1997); Excellent Meeting (1998)
Del Mar Derby (GII-Dmr)—Guide (1993); Ladies Din (1998)
Del Mar Futurity (GII-Dmr)—Future Quest (1995); Worldly Manner (1998)
Del Mar Oaks (GI-Dmr)—Dublino (2002)
Delta Jackpot (DeD)—Outta Here (2002)
Delta Princess (DeD)—Miss Atlantic City (2006)
Dixie (GII-Pim)—Parading (2009); Paddy O’Prado (2011)
Donn H. (GI-GP)—Puerto Madero (1999)
Doubledogdare (GIII-Kee)—Carriage Trail (2008); Indescribable (2009)
Dr. James Penny Memorial H. (Pha)—Sharp Susan (2008)
Eddie Read H. (GI-Dmr)—Kotashaan (1993); Ladies Din (2000)
Edgewood (CD)—Zee Zee (2008); Diva Ash (2011)
Eight Belles (GIII-CD)—Victoria’s Wildcat (2011)
Eillo (Med)—Roi Maudit (2008)
El Cajon H. (GIII-Dmr)—Joey Franco (2002)
El Camino Real Derby (GIII-GG)—Pacificbounty (1997)
KENT DESORMEAUX
Peter Pan (GII-Bel)—Casino Drive (2008)
Philip H. Iselin (GIII-Mth)—Formal Gold (GII-1997)
Phoenix BC H. (GIII-TuP)—Richter Scale (1999)
Pimlico Special (GI-Pim)—Golden Missile (2000)
Promonroe (Bel)—Law Enforcement (2009)
Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (GI-Kee)—Ticker Tape (2004)
Queen’s Plate (GI-WO)—Archers Bay (1998)
Regret (Mth)—Hungarian Boatbaby (2008)
River City H. (GIII-CD)—Thorn Song (2007)
Rutgers University (Mth)—War Monger (2007)
San Clemente H. (GII-Dmr)—Little Treasure (2002)
Sands Point (GII-Bel)—Gozzip Girl (2009)
San Francisco BC Mile (GII-GG)—Ladies Din (2000)
Saranac (GIII-Sar)—Al Khali (2009)
Schenectady H. (Bel)—Under Serviced (2008)
Secretariat (GI-AP)—Chiselling (2002); Take the Points (2009);
Paddy O’Prado (2010)
Senorita (GIII-Hol)—Likeable Style (1993); Dancing Rhythm (1998);
Coracle (1999)
Sheepshead Bay H. (GII-Bel)—Mauralakana (2008); Treat Gently (2010)
Shoemaker BC Mile (GI-Hol)—Labeeb (1998)
Signature Stallion Waya (Sar)—Changing Skies (2010)
Sir Keys (Bel)—Be Bullish (2009)
Sleepy Hollow (Bel)—Giant Moon (2007)
South Beach (GP)—Quite a Bride (2008)
Spinster (GI-Kee)—Keeper Hill (1999); Carriage Trail (2008); Mushka (2009)
Stephen Foster H. (GI-CD)—Golden Missile (GII-2000)
Sunshine Millions Turf (GP)—War Monger (2008)
Super Derby (GII-LaD)—Soul of the Matter (GI-1994)
Suwannee River H. (GIII-GP)—La Dolce Vita (2008)
Swale (GII-GP)—Eaton’s Gift (2008)
Swaps (GII-Hol)—Free House (1997)
Test (GI-Sar)—Leave Me Alone (2005)
The Very One (GIII)—Changing Skies (2010)
HALL OF FAME - 2004
Kingston H. (Bel)—Benrock (2008, 2009)
Kitten’s Joy (Cnl)—Rockaby Bay (2009)
Lake Placid (GII-Sar)—Sharp Susan (2007)
Lane’s End (GII-TP)—Hold Me Back (2009)
La Prevoyante H. (GIII-Crc)—Changing Skies (2011)
La Troienne (GII-CD)—Unrivaled Belle (2010)
Lazaro S. Barrera (GIII-Hol)—Goldigger’s Dream (1993); Mazel Trick (1998)
Loudonville (Sar)—Lisa’s Booby Trap (2010)
Lucy Scribner (Sar)—Devil by Design (2010)
Majestic Light (Mth)—Actin Good (2009)
Maker’s Mark Mile (GI-Kee)—Touch Of The Blues (GII-2002);
Mr. Sidney (2009)
Marion County (GP)—Scolara (2009)
Matron (GI-Bel)—Meadow Breeze (2006)
Mckaymackenna (Bel)—Scolara (2009)
Mervyn Leroy H. (GII-Hol)—Marquetry (1993)
Metropolitan Mile H. (GI-Bel)—Corinthian (2007)
Miesque (GIII-Hol)—Bail Out Becky (1994)
Miss Grillo (Bel)—Namaste’s Wish (2007)
Monmouth (GI-Mth)—Big Brown (2008)
Mother Goose (GI-Bel)—Lakeway (1994)
Mrs. Revere (GII-CD)—Mary’s Follies (2009)
Nassau (GII-WO)—Naissance Royale (2006)
National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame (GII-Sar)—Courageous Cat (2009)
Native Diver H. (GIII-Hol)—Puerto Madero (1998)
New York (GII-Bel)—Mauralakana (2008)
New York Stallion (Sar)—Lubash (2010)
New York Stallion Statue of Liberty (Sar)—Raffle’s Treasure (2008)
New York Stallion (Sar)—Lubash (2010)
Oaklawn H. (GII-OP)—Best Pal (GI-1992); The Wicked North (GI-1994)
Oceanport (GIII-Mth)—Silver Tree (2008)
Orchid (GIII-GP)—Dress Rehearsal (2009)
Pacific Classic (GI-Dmr)—Missionary Ridge (1992)
Palomar BC H. (GII-Dmr)—Voodoo Dancer (2002)
Highlights
•
•
•
•
•
First winner: Miss Tavern, July 13, 1986, at Evangeline Downs.
First Santa Anita mount: Fireside Favorite, Feb. 14, 1990.
First stakes win: Nov. 25, 1986, at Evangeline Downs.
First Grade I winner: Delegant in 1990 San Juan Capistrano Handicap.
Eclipse Award winner: 1987, as an apprentice. Won Eclipse Awards as journeyman in 1989 and 1992. One of only three riders to earn Eclipse Awards as
apprentice and journeyman. Others are Chris McCarron and Steve Cauthen.
• Hall of Fame: Inducted on Aug. 9, 2004, at the age of 34 after having won
three Eclipse Awards, two Kentucky Derbys and two Breeders’ Cup events while
becoming the youngest rider ever to win 3,000 races at 25, the youngest to reach
$100 million in purse earnings at 27, and riding a record 598 winners in 1989
when 19.
• George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award winner: 1993.
• Riding titles: Santa Anita: 1994, 1995, 1998; Oak Tree: 1990, 1991, 1992;
Hollywood Park: 1992 fall-tie, 1993 1997; Del Mar: 1993, 1997. Note: Del Mar
title ended Alex Solis’ streak of six consecutive Southern California riding crowns.
• 5,000th winner: Bella Attrice on July 27, 2008 at Saratoga Race Course.
• 4,000th winner: Temporary Appeal on January 14, 2001.
• 3,000th winner: Maisonsaire on April 16, 1995, at Santa Anita, becoming the
youngest rider to reach the milestone at 25.
• During a dramatic year in 2008 when his career victory total reached 5,000 and
he ranked second nationally in earnings, scored stunning victories aboard Big
Brown in the Kentucky Derby by 4 3/4 lengths and in the Preakness by 5 1/4
before easing the horse – whom he had termed the “most talented” he had ever
ridden – in a baffling Belmont Stakes.
• Following a lackluster winning return in the Haskell Invitational Stakes at
Monmouth Park in August, Big Brown’s victory over grass in the Monmouth
Stakes appeared to set up his run in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita. “I
think he showed you what kind of heart he’s got,” Desormeaux said following
the Monmouth Stakes. Big Brown, however, would be retired after a foot injury
knocked him out of the 2008 Classic.
• While riding Real Quiet in 1998, came within a nose of becoming the first
jockey to sweep the Triple Crown since Steve Cauthen aboard Affirmed in 1978.
Lost Belmont Stakes by a whisker to Victory Gallop after Real Quiet had won
the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. Gained second Kentucky Derby victory two
years later with Fusaichi Pegasus.
• After realizing best career earnings year in 2008 when mounts banked over
$15.5 million, gained sixth Triple Crown win and first in the 2009 Belmont
Stakes when guiding 22-1 shot Summer Bird to a stunning upset over Dunkirk
and Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird, the 6-5 favorite. Came back with
Summer Bird to take the 2009 Travers by 3 1/2 lengths as the 5-2 second choice.
• Led all jockeys with 450 victories in 1987 as an apprentice. Broke Cauthen’s
record for stakes wins by an apprentice with 20 as mounts earned $5.1 million.
Added 474 wins in 1988 to lead the nation again.
HALL OF FAME - 2004
Thunder Puddles (Bel)—Banrock (2008)
Ticonderoga H. (Bel)—Love Cove (2008)
Tiznow (Hol)—Joey Franco (2003)
Travers (GI-Sar)—Summer Bird (2009)
Tropical Turf H. (GIII-Crc)—Ballast (2007)
Vanity (GI-Hol)—Twice The Vice (1997)
Vernon O. Underwood (GIII-Hol)—Individualistic (1991); Wekiva Springs (1994);
Love That Jazz (1994)
Vinery Madison (GI-Kee)—Dr. Zic (2010)
Virginia Derby (GI-Cnl)—Paddy O’Prado (2010)
Virginia Oaks (GIII-Cnl)—Blind Date (2009)
West Point H. (Sar)—Banrock (2008, 2009)
Wilshire H. (GIII-Hol)—Kostroma (GII-1992); Toussaud (GII-1993);
Possibly Perfect (GII-1995); Dublino (2003)
With Anticipation (GIII-Sar)—Interactif (2009)
Wood Memorial (GI-Aqu)—Fusaichi Pegasus (GII-2000)
Woodward (GI-Bel)—Formal Gold (1997); Premium Tap (2006)
Woodbine Mile (WO)—Labeeb (1998)
Yaddo H. (Sar)—Finlandia (2006); Latitude Forty (2007)
KENT DESORMEAUX
Personal
• Grew up wanting to become a professional basketball player and for many years
was a high-scoring fixture on the Santa Anita jockeys’ basketball team.
• Began career in August of 1986 at Evangeline Downs and moved to Maryland a
year later. Joined the Southern California circuit in 1990. Moved his tack to New
York in March of 2006.
• Lost his apprentice allowance after accumulating 297 victories in less than eight
months.
• Suffered multiple skull fractures during a spill at Hollywood Park on Dec. 11,
1992. Did not ride again until Jan. 22, 1993, when he won with his first two
mounts.
HALL OF FAME - 2004
• His 598 victories in 1989, primarily on Maryland circuit, broke McCarron’s
15-year-old record for most wins in a year (547) and earned his first Eclipse
Award as a journeyman. The only other jockeys with three consecutive national
victory titles are Russell Baze, Pat Day and Bill Hartack.
• Became the first non-Japanese jockey to exceed 100 victories during the spring
of 2005, his third riding stint in Japan in six years. Had become the first foreignbased jockey to win a classic race in Japan when taking the 2001 Japanese Oaks
aboard Lady Pastel.
• Having moved his tack to New York in 2006, his career enjoyed a resurgence
when he was victorious in Grade I events from coast-to-coast including the
Hollywood Futurity aboard Stormello and Churchill Downs’ Clark Handicap
atop Premium Tap. In 2007, he took Belmont’s Metropolitan Mile with
Corinthian and traveled west to win the Del Mar Futurity aboard Georgie Boy.
Meantime, he came with a single victory of winning the riding title at New York’s
elite Saratoga meet in 2007 while reaching the winner’s circle 43 times. Capped
the year with his third Breeders’ Cup victory, this with Corinthian in the new
Dirt Mile event. Added a fourth Breeders’ Cup victory to his resume at Churchill
Downs in 2010 when piloting Unrivaled Belle to 7-1 upset over Blind Luck in
the $2 million Ladies’ Classic.
• Leading rider at Laurel and Pimlico from 1987-1989 while accumulating 10
various titles.
• On July 3, 1992, became third rider to win six races on a single card at
Hollywood Park, following Bill Shoemaker and Laffit Pincay Jr.
VICTOR ESPINOZA
Birthdate: May 23, 1972
Birthplace: Mexico City, Mexico
Height: 5’2”
Weight: 112 pounds
Single
Residence: Monrovia
Triple Crown Wins
Kentucky Derby (GI-CD)—War Emblem (2002)
Preakness (GI-Pim)—War Emblem (2002)
Breeders’ Cup Win
Distaff (GI)—Spain (1998-CD)
Anoakia (OT)—Golden Doc A (2007)
Baffle—Macias (2010)
Blue Norther—Major Idea (2003); Navigator (2009)
Buena Vista H. (GII)—Final Destination (2003); Silver Cup (2006)
California Breeders’ Champion (Colts)—Proud Tower (2000); Da Stoops (2005)
California Breeders’ Champion (Fillies)—Sierra Sweetie (2005); Evening Jewel
(2009)
California Cup Classic H. (OT)—Tizbud (2003); Texcess (2006)
California Cup Distaff H. (OT)—Tempting Date (2005)
California Cup Distance H. (OT)—Distant Victory (2008)
California Cup Juvenile (OT)—Proud Tower (2000); He’s The Rage (2003)
California Cup Matron H. (OT)—Somethinaboutlaura (2006)
California Cup Mile H. (OT)—Turkish Prize (2002)
California Cup Sprint H. (OT)—Green Team (2003); Da Stoops (2006);
Guts (2008)
California Cup Starter H. (OT)—Fade to Blue (2003)
California Sire (OT)—Sharper Too (2001)
California Sire (Fillies) (OT)—Jetin Excess (2000)
Clement L. Hirsch Turf Championship (GI-OT)—The Tin Man (2006)
Crystal Water H.—Road to Slew (2000)
Damascus (OT)—Into Mischief (2008); Into Mischief (2008)
Eddie Logan—Macias (2009)
El Encino (GII)—Girl Warrior (2005)
Flower Girl H.—Maryfield (2006)
Frank E. Kilroe Mile H. (GI)—Commitisize (GII-2000)
Harold Ramser Sr. H. (OT)—Sentimental Value (2002-2nd div.)
Hidden Light (OT)—Hucking Hot (2006)
Hill Rise—Peace Rules (2003)
Honest Lady—Tiz Elemental (2008)
Impressive Luck H.—Lucky J. H. (2008)
Kalookan Queen H.—Western Hemisphere (2006); Lovely Isle (2008)
La Brea (GI)—Spain (2000)
La Cañada (GII)—Spain (2001); Balance (2007)
Lady’s Secret BC H. (GII-OT)—Healthy Addiction (2006); Tough Tiz’s Sis
(GI-2007)
La Puente—Purely Cozzene (2000); Mountain Rage (2002); Steelaninch (2003);
Tiz West (2008)
La Zanzara H.—Aubonne (2006); Solva (2007)
Las Flores H. (GIII)—Behaving Badly (2006); Tiz Elemental (2008)
Las Virgenes (GI)—Balance (2006)
Lure—John Johny Jack (2011-SA)
Norfolk (GII-OT)—Flame Thrower (2000); Kafwain (2002)
Oak Tree Derby (GII-OT)—The Usual Q. T. (2009)
victor espinoza
Pine Tree Lane (OT)—Resplendency (2005)
Pinjara (OT)—Stratham (2005)
Potrero Grand H. (GII)—Greg’s Gold (2008)
Providencia (GII)—Missit (2008); Acting Lady (2009)
Robert B. Lewis (GII)—Declan’s Moon (2005); Crown of Thorns (2008)
San Felipe (GII)—Cobalt Blue (2007)
San Gorgonio H. (GII)—Silver Cup (2006)
San Juan Capistrano Inv. H. (GII)—On the Acorn (2007); Midships (2009)
San Luis Obispo H. (GII)—Puerto Banus (2004)
San Luis Rey H. (GII)—Midships (2009)
San Marcos H. (GII)—The Tin Man (2006)
San Miguel (GIII)—Popular (2002)
San Pasqual H. (GII)—Star Cross (2004)
San Rafael (GII)—Imperialism (2004)
Santa Ana H. (GII)—Spanish Fern (2000); Silver Cup (2006)
Santa Anita Derby (GI)—Midnight Interlude (2011)
Santa Anita H. (GI)—Southern Image (2004)
Santa Barbara H. (GII)—Foxysox (2008)
Santa Margarita H. (GI)—Balance (2007)
Santa Maria H. (GI)—Star Parade (2004)
Santa Monica H. (GI)—Behaving Badly (2006)
Santa Paula (GIII)—Buffythecenterfold (2003); No Bull Baby (2005)
San Vicente (GII)—Kafwain (2003); Imperialism (2004)
Sen. Ken Maddy H. (GIII-OT)—Belleski (2003)
Sensational Star H.—Luck J. H. (2008)
Sham (GIII)—Wild and Wise (2001); Going Wild (2005); Bob and John (2006)
Sir Beaufort (GIII)—The Usual Q.T. (2009)
Some Sensation—Major Idea (2003)
Southern Truce—De Puntillas (1998)
Sunny Slope (OT)—Joopy Doopy (1999); Seattle’s Best Joe (2004)
Sunshine Million Classic—Southern Image (2004)
Sunshine Millions Dash—Da Stoops (2006)
Sunshine Millions Distaff—Evening Jewel (2011)
Survive—Phaenna (2002)
Sweet Life—Bloemer Girl (2011)
Swingtime (OT)—Zardana (2009)
Tapestry—El Mirage Queen (2006)
Thunder Road—Singletary (2004); Senor Swinger (2006)
Tokyo City H. (GIII)—Supah Blitz (2005)
Tuzla H. (GIII)—Trick’s Pic (2008)
Valentine Dancer H.—Tiz a Blend (2008)
Wishing Well H.—Attima (2007)
Zany Tactics—Officer (2002)
A Gleam H. (GII-Hol)— Cee’s Elegance (2003); Somethinaboutlaura (2006);
Somethinaboutlaura (2007); Sweet August Moon (2010)
Ack Ack H. (GIII-Hol)—El Roblar (2007)
Adoration (Dmr)—Healthy Addiction (2005)
Affirmed H. (GIII-Hol)—Tiznow (2000); Boomzeeboom (2004);
Point Determined (2006)
American H. (GII-Hol)—The Tin Man (2006)
Arlington Matron (GIII-AP)—Adoration (2004)
Arlington Million (GI-AP)—The Tin Man (2006)
Barretts (Hol)—Trail Mix (2005)
Barretts Juvenile (Fpx)—Triumphant Flight (2008)
Bay Meadows BC H. (GIII-BM)—Kirkwall (1999)
Bay Shore (GIII-Aqu)—Skip to the Stone (2001)
Bayakoa H. (GIII-Hol)—Star Parade (2003); Hollywood Story (2004);
Foxysox (2006); Zardana (2009)
Best Pal (GII-Dmr)—Officer (GIII-2001); Kafwain (GIII-2002); What a Song
(2005)
Beverly Hills H. (GII-Hol)—Memorette (2006)
Bien Bien (Hol)—Porto Santo (2006)
Bing Crosby H. (GI-Dmr)—Disturbingthepeace (GII-2002); Zensational (2009);
Smiling Tiger (2010)
Breeders’ Futurity (GI-Kee)—Great Hunter (2006)
B. Thoughtful (Hol)—Favorite Funtime (2002); Somethinaboutlaura (2007)
CashCall Mile (GIII-Hol)—Dance in the Mood (2006)
Cat’s Cradle (Hol)—Favorite Funtime (2001); Cee’s Elegance (2002);
Valentine Dancer (2003)
Champagne (GI-Bel)—Officer (2001)
Charles Whittingham Memorial H. (GI-Hol)—Midships (2009)
Cinema H. (GIII-Hol)—David Copperfield (2000); Worldly (2007); Tiz West
(2008)
Citation H. (GII-Hol)—Victor’s Cry (2010)
Clement L. Hirsch H. (GII-Dmr)—Healthy Addiction (2006)
CTT and Thoroughbred Owners of California H. (Dmr)—Princess Taylor (2010)
Dahlia H. (GII-Hol)—Follow The Money (2000)
Daisycutter (Dmr)—Red Diadem (2007); Queen of the Catsle (2008)
Dance in the Mood (Hol)—Queen Ofthe Catsle (2008)
Del Mar H. (GII-Dmr)—El Corredor (2000, 2001); Supah Blitz (2004); Celtic
New Year (2011)
Del Mar Debutante (GI-Dmr)—Sweet Catomine (2004); Point Ashley (2006)
Del Mar Derby (GII-Dmr)—Blackdoun (2004)
Del Mar Futurity (GII-Dmr)—Officer (2001); Declan’s Moon (2004);
Horse Greeley (2006)
Del Mar Oaks (GI-Dmr)—No Matter What (2000); Evening Jewel (2010)
Delaware H. (GII-Del)—Summer Wind Dancer (2004)
Delta Jackpot (DeD)—Texcess (2004)
Eddie Read H. (GI-Dmr)—Special Ring (2004); The Usual Q.T. (2010)
El Cajon H. (GIII-Dmr)—Spicy Stuff (2000); Follow the Rainbow (2005)
Fleet Treat (Dmr)—La Nez (2010)
Fleur de Lis H. (GII-CD)—Saudi Poetry (GIII-2001); Adoration (2004)
Fran’s Valentine (Hol)—Smokin Charlotte (2002)
Gamely BC (GI-Hol)—Shining Energy (2006)
Generous (GIII-Hol)—Peace Rules (2002); Who’s Up (2009)
Generous Portion (Dmr)—Golden Doc A (2007)
Graduation (Dmr)—Officer (2001); Spot the Diplomat (2006)
Grey Memo (Hol)—Warren’s Knockout (2011)
Harry Henson (Hol)—Hurry Home Warren (2007); Sky Cape (2008)
Haskell Invitational H. (GI-Mth)—War Emblem (2002)
Hawthorne Derby (GIII-Haw)—Flying Dash (2002)
Hawthorne Gold Cup (GII-Haw)—Super Frolic (2005)
Hawthorne H. (GIII-Hol)—Summer Wind Dancer (2004); Hollywood Story
(2005)
Hermosa Beach H. (Hol)—High Heel Sneakers (2008)
Hollywood BC Oaks (GII-Hol)—Brooke’s Halo (2005)
Hollywood Derby (GI-Hol)—The Usual Q.T. (2009)
Hollywood Futurity (GI-Hol)—Declan’s Moon (2004); Into Mischief (2007)
Hollywood Gold Cup (GI-Hol)—Early Pioneer (2000)
Hollywood Juvenile Champ (GIII-Hol)—What a Song (2005)
Hollywood Prevue (GIII-Hol)—Proud Tower (2000); Declan’s Moon (2004)
Hollywood Starlet (GI-Hol)—Habibti (2001)
Hollywood Turf Express H. (GIII-Hol)—Mr. Doubledown (1999)
Honeymoon H. (GII-Hol)—Lovely Rafaela (2004); Attima (2006); Evening Jewel
(2010)
I’m Smokin (Dmr)—Spot the Diplomat (2006); John Scott (2009)
Indiana Derby (GII-Hoo)—Misremembered (2009)
Inglewood H. (GIII-Hol)—Montemiro (2000); Night Patrol (2002); El Roblar
(2008)
Jim Murray Memorial H. (GII-Hol)—On the Acorn (2007)
Kentucky Cup Turf Sprint (GIII-TP)—GH’s Pleasure (1998)
Lazaro Barrera Memorial (GIII-Hol)—Smiling Tiger (2010)
Lone Star Derby (GIII-LS)—Wanna Runner (2006); Mythical Power (2009)
Melair (Hol)—Tiz Elemental (2007)
Mervyn Leroy H. (Hol)—Molengao (2007)
Mervyn Muniz Jr. Memorial H. (GII-FG)–Proudinsky (2009)
Milady BC H. (GII-Hol)—Lazy Slusan (GI-2001); Star Parade (GI-2004)
Oceanside (Dmr)—Stormy Jack (2000-2nd div.); Vauquelin (2007-3rd div.)
On Trust H. (Hol)—Greg's Gold (2007)
Pat O’Brien H. (GI-Dmr)—El Corredor (GII-2001); Disturbingthepeace
(GII-2002, 2003); Imperialism (GII-2005); Greg’s Gold (GII-2007);
Zensational (2009)
victor espinoza
Perryville (GIII-Kee)—Midnight Lute (2006)
Pimlico Special H. (GI-Pim)—Southern Image (2004)
Pirate’s Bounty H. (Dmr—Areyoutalkintome(2006)
Pomona Derby (Fpx)—Opine (1998); Quindici Man (2009)
Railbird (GIII-Hol)—Witty (2009)
Rampart (GIII-GP)—Unrivaled Belle (2010)
Rancho Bernardo H. (GIII-Dmr)—Behaving Badly (2005, 2006);
Sweet August Moon (2010)
Redondo Beach (Hol)—Somethinaboutlaura (2007)
San Clemente H. (GII-Dmr)—Sweet Win (2004); Attima (2006); Evening Jewel
(2010)
San Diego H. (GII-Dmr)—Taste of Paradise (2003); Choctaw Nation (2004, 2005)
San Miguel—Triumphant Flight (2009)
Senorita (GIII-Hol)—Makeup Artist (2003)
Sharp Cat (Hol)—Balance (2005)
Shoemaker BC Mile (GI-Hol)—The Tin Man (2007)
Silky Sullivan H. (GIII-GG)—Eastern Sand (2005)
Snow Chief (Hol)—Vote Of Honesty (1997); Da Stoops (2006); Nahem (2011)
Sorrento (GIII-Dmr)—Untouched Talent (2006)
Sunset H. (GII-Hol)—Puerto Banus (2003); Always First (2005)
Shadwell Keeneland Turf Mile H. (GI-Kee)—Kirkwall (GII-1999)
Sunland Park Oaks (Sun)—Gabby’s Golden Gal (2009)
Swaps (GII-Hol)—Misremembered (2009)
Tiznow (Hol)—Beau Soleil (2004); No Reason (2006)
Triple Bend H. (GI-Hol)—Elaborate (GII-2000); Disturbingthepeace
(GII-2002); Pohave (2004); Zensational (2009)
Torrey Pines (Dmr)—Pussycat Doll (2005); Political Web (2006)
Warren’s Thoroughbred (Hol)—Rule the Storm (2009)
Wickerr H. (Dmr)—One Union (2008); Calamanco (2011)
Will Rogers (GIII-Hol)—Purely Cozzene (2000); Private Chief (2003);
Worldly (2007)
Willard L. Proctor Memorial H. (Hol)—Alpenfest (2003)
WinStar Distaff H. (GIII-LS)—Mumtax (2000)
WinStar Derby (Sun)—Wanna Runner (2006)
WinStar Sunland Park Oaks (Sun)—Sweet Fourty (2006); Tough Tiz’s Sis (2007)
Wood Memorial (GI-Aqu)—Congaree (GII-2001)
Yerba Buena H. (GIII-GG)—De Puntillas (1997)
Highlights
• First winner: Came at Hippodromo de las Americas in Mexico City in 1992.
• First graded stakes victory: Aboard Commitisize in Arcadia Handicap (GII), at
Santa Anita on March 5, 2000.
• Riding titles: Santa Anita (2003-04; 2006-07 tie); Hollywood Park (2000 spring/
summer, 2006 spring/summer); Del Mar (2000, 2006).
• 2,000th career victory: Aboard Fear No Darkness at Santa Anita on March 19,
2006.
• Nineteen days prior to 30th birthday, captured the 2002 Kentucky Derby by four
lengths aboard 20-1 outsider War Emblem and added the Preakness two weeks
later before Triple Crown chances were compromised by War Emblem’s stumbling
start in the Belmont Stakes when finishing eighth. Had ridden in first Kentucky
Derby the previous year, finishing third aboard Congaree.
• Another dramatic outsider, 55-1 longshot Spain, provided first Breeders’ Cup triumph in the 2000 Distaff at Churchill Downs during a breakthrough year when
the Mexico City native vaulted into seventh place nationally with earnings of
$13.2 million after his mounts had earned $3.7 million the previous year.
• Midnight Interlude was nearly 14-1 in April of 2011 when providing Espinoza
with his first victory in the Santa Anita Derby. Trained by Bob Baffert, Midnight
Interlude’s only previous win in three starts had come when breaking his maiden.
• Broke the Del Mar record for most wins on a single day when riding seven winners on Sept. 4, 2006. Previous record of six had been shared by Rudy Rosales,
Bill Shoemaker and Laffit Pincay Jr. (twice). After winning the final race on
Sept. 3, captured the day’s first six races on Sept. 4 to tie the Del Mar record
Shoemaker had set 52 years previous of seven consecutive riding victories.
Concluded his seven-win day by taking the grade I Del Mar Debutante aboard
Point Ashley. With 64 wins in seven weeks, won his second consecutive Del Mar
riding title while nearly doubling the 35-win total of runner-up Martin Garcia.
• Gained his first two major Southern California riding titles in 2000 with 62
victories at Hollywood Park’s spring/summer meet and 51 wins at Del Mar. Won
first Santa Anita riding title with 89 winners during 2003-04 meet.
• Exceeded his 2004 earnings total in 2006 when mounts banked $16.1 million
to again rank third in North America as he won 30 graded stakes races including
eight in Grade I events. Among his Grade I winners was The Tin Man, who took
the Arlington Million and Oak Tree’s Clement L. Hirsch Turf Championship.
The pair added Hollywood Park’s Shoemaker Breeders’ Cup Mile in 2007.
• Realized peak earnings year in 2004 when ranked third nationally as horses
earned $15.9 million. Wins included nine Grade I events among 27 graded
stakes. Rode the winners of a pair of million-dollar races: Southern Image in
Santa Anita’s Sunshine Millions Classic and Texcess in Delta Jackpot at Delta
Downs. Southern Image provided first Santa Anita Handicap victory that year.
• Rode flashy sprinter Zensational to a third straight Grade I victory in 2009 when
taking Del Mar’s $300,000 Pat O’Brien Stakes following wins in the Bing Crosby
and Hollywood Park’s Triple Bend Handicap. The O’Brien win was the rider’s
sixth in the last nine runnings of the event. Favored in Oak Tree’s Breeders’ Cup
Sprint, Zensational was compromised by his rail draw and wound up a troubled
fifth, less than two lengths behind victorious upsetter Dancing in Silks.
• Won four races at Oak Tree on California Cup Day 2003: Fade to Blue (Starter);
Green Team (Sprint); He’s The Rage (Juvenile); and Tizbud (Classic).
• Leading apprentice rider at Bay Meadows, 1993-94. Leading apprentice at 1994
Golden Gate meet with 31 winners.
• First $1-million winner was 24-1 outsider Early Pioneer in 2000 Hollywood
Gold Cup on July 9, 2000.
• As recently as 1998 was so little known locally that was denied admission at
Hollywood Park’s pass gate on Hollywood Gold Cup Day when didn’t have a
mount before finding a security guard who recognized him.
• Was so confident of winning the 2000 Hollywood Gold Cup that he dyed his
black hair yellow-gold prior to riding 24-1 longshot Early Pioneer, who defeated
favored General Challenge by one length and returned $51.
• Following Spain’s $113.80 payoff in the 2000 Breeders’ Cup Distaff, owner
Prince Ahmed bin Salman, of the Thoroughbred Corp., said, “I chose this jockey.
I read a lot and Espinoza was a 17th century philosopher. So this guy (Victor) has
a good pedigree.”
• Two brothers, Jose and Leo, are jockeys. Jose Espinoza is a regular on the New
York circuit.
Personal
• Early riding education came on farm outside Mexico City after completing high
school.
• Drove a bus before becoming a jockey. “It’s a lot easier riding horses than driving
in that traffic in Mexico City,” he said.
• Started riding at Hippodromo de las Americas in December 1992. Won 79 races
in four months during two stints there.
victor espinoza
DAVID FLORES
Birthplace: Tijuana, Mexico
Height: 5’4”
Weight: 115 pounds
Wife: Dawn
Children: Cinthya, Natalya, Priscilla
and Taylor
Residence: South El Monte
Juvenile (GI)—Action This Day (2003-OT)
Juvenile Fillies (GI)—Tempera (2001-Bel)
Mile (GI)—Singletary (2004-LS)
Academy Road—Mountain Rage (2002); Singletary (2003)
Ack Ack H.—Elaborate (2000)
Ancient Title (GI-OT)—Idiot Proof (2007)
Arcadia H. (GII)—Commitisize (1999); Diplomatic Bag (2004)
California Breeders’ Champion—Gibson County (2000); Bob Black Jack (2007)
California Cup Distaff H. (OT)—Nannetta (1994)
California Cup Juvenile (OT)—Ex Marks The Cop (1997)
California Cup Matron H. (OT)—Fun In Excess (1997)
California Sires (OT)—Ex Marks The Cop (1997)
California Sires Fillies (OT)—Inexcessive Speed (1997)
Carleton F. Burke (GIII-OT)—Timboroa (2000); Habaneros (2004)
Cascapedia (OT)—Hookedonthefeelin (2000)
China Doll—April Pride (2009)
Clement L. Hirsch Turf Championship (GI-OT)—Mash One (1999)
Crystal Water H.—Native Desert (1999); Road To Slew (2003)
Daytona—Tsigane (2004)
El Encino (GII)—Sugar Shake (2007); Zenyatta (2008)
Flower Hill H.—Indian Flare (2007)
Goodwood BC H. (GII-OT)—Lundy’s Liability (2004)
Hill Rise—Mountain Rage (2002)
Irish O’Brien—Fleeting Image (1999)
Kalookan Queen H.—Indian Flare (2006)
La Brea (GI)—Hookedonthefeelin (1999)
Lady’s Secret BC H. (GII-OT)—Magical Allure (1998)
Las Virgenes (GI)—Keeper Hill (1998)
Malibu (GI)—Johnny Eves (2007); Bob Black Jack (2008)
Megahertz—It Tiz (2011)
Oak Leaf (GI-OT)—Chilukki (GI-1999); Notable Career (GI-2000);
Diamond Omi (GII-2005)
Oak Tree Derby (GII-OT)—Muny (2008, 2009)
Oak Tree BC Mile (OT)—Singletary (2005)
Palos Verdes H. (GII)—Music Merci (1993)
Pine Tree Lane—Shameful (2003)
Pro or Con H.—Moscow Burning (2006)
Providencia (GIII)—Kumari Continent (2000)
Robert B. Lewis Memorial (GII)—Mane Minister (1991); Domestic Dispute
(2003)
San Antonio H. (GII)—Lundy’s Liability (2005)
San Carlos H. (GII)—Pico Central (2004); Bob Black Jack (2010)
San Felipe (GII)—Free House (1997)
San Fernando BC (GII)—Dixie Dot Com (1999)
San Gorgonio H. (GII)—Citronnade (2007)
San Jacinto H.—Missionary Ridge (1991, 1992)
San Miguel—Cape Canaveral (GIII-1999); EZ Warrior (2007)
San Marino H.—Kerrygold (2001)
DAVID FLORES
San Pedro—Forestry (1999)
San Pasqual H. (GII)—Wooden Phone (2002); Dixie Meister (2007)
San Rafael (GIII)—El Gato Malo (2008)
San Simeon H. (GIII)—Speak In Passing (2003)
Santa Ana H. (GII)—Citronnade (2007)
Santa Anita H. (GI)—Siphon (1997)
Santa Anita Oaks (GI)—Silent Sighs (2004); Turbulent Descent (2011)
Santa Barbara H. (GII)—Naughty Rafaela (2007)
Santa Maria H. (GI)—Sugar Shake (2007)
Santa Lucia H.—Hope Rises (2004)
Santa Paula (GIII)—Perfect Six (1999)
Santa Ysabel (GIII)—Atlantic Ocean (2003); Sweet Catomine (2005)
Santa Ynez (GII)—Queen of Money (1997)
Sensational Star H.—Bedlam Bertie (2007)
Sir Beaufort (GIII)—Monterey Jazz (2007)
Skywalker H. (OT)—Musical Gambler (1998, 1999)
Strub (GII)—Monterey Jazz (2008)
Sunny Slope (OT)—Premier Property (1998)
Sunshine Millions Dash—Bob Black Jack (2008)
Sunshine Millions F&M Sprint—Hot Storm (2006)
Sunshine Millions F&M Turf—Moscow Burning (2006)
Sunshine Millions Oaks—Atlantic Ocean (2003); Mistical Plan (2007)
Sunshine Millions Turf—Adminnestrator (2003)
Tokyo City H. (GIII)—Luftikus (2000)
Yellow Ribbon (GI-OT)—Janet (2001)
Will Rogers H. (Gr. III-Hol)—Doc Holiday (2002)
A Gleam H. (GII-Hol)—Enjoy The Moment (1999)
Affirmed H. (GIII-Hol)—General Challenge (1999)
Alabama (GI-Sar)—Silverbulletday (1999)
American H. (GII-Hol)—Bayamo (2004)
Aprisa (Fpx)—Naval Academy (2000)
Arlington H. (GIII-AP)—Honor In War (2003)
Arlington Million (GI-AP)—Sulamani (2003)
Arlington-Washington Futurity (GIII-AP)—Dixie Band (2009)
Audrey Kenis (Hol)—Cirtonnade (2006)
Bangles and Beads (Fpx)—Selvatica (2007)
Bay Meadows BC Sprint H. (GIII-BM)—Musafi (1998)
Beau Brummel (Fpx)—Spark of Dubai (2006)
Beaumont (GII-Kee)—Turbulent Descent (2011)
Belmont BC H. (GII-Bel)—Subordination (1998)
Beverly Hills H. (GII-Hol)—Citronnade (2007)
Bing Crosby (GI-Dmr)—Greg’s Gold (2005)
Brown Bess H. (GIII-GG)—Janet (2002)
B. Thoughtful (Hol)—Censored (1999)
Buick Turf Classic (LS)—Commitisize (2000)
California Sire (Hol)—Top Of Our Game (2000)
Californian (GII-Hol)—Even the Score (2004); Dixie Meister (2006)
Chandler (TuP)—Dextera (2009)
Cinema H. (GIII-Hol)—Commitisize (1998)
Count Fleet Sprint H. (GIII-OP)—Show Me The Stage (2000)
CTBA Marian (Fpx)—Mimi Guarneri (2006)
Dallas Turf Cup H. (LS)—Martiniquais (1999); Suances (2002)
Del Mar BC H. (GII-Dmr)—Reign Road (1992)
Del Mar Debutante (GI-Dmr)—Chilukki (1999)
Del Mar Futurity (GI-Dmr)—Silver Charm (1996); Forest Camp (1999);
Icecoldbeeratreds (2002)
Del Mar Oaks (GI-Dmr)—Tout Charmant (1999); Amorama (2004)
Derby Trial (GIII-CD)—Souvenir Copy (1998)
Derby Trial (Fpx)—Mu Man Murf (2007)
Desert Stormer H. (Hol)—Selvatica (2007)
E. B. Johnston (Fpx)—Velvet Moonsite (2007)
Eddie Read H. (GI-Dmr)—Marquetry (1992); Subordination (1998);
Special Ring (2003)
El Camino Real Derby (GIII-BM)—Cliquot (1999)
Excelsior (GII-Aqu)—Defensive Play (1992)
Fantastic Girl (Dmr)—Hookedonthefeelin (2000)
Garden State H. (Mth)—Frank the Barber (2007)
Gamely BC (GI-Hol)—Citronnade (2007)
Gateway to Glory (Fpx)—Spark of Dubai (2006)
Generous (GIII-Hol)—Mountain Rage (2001)
Glendale H. (TuP)—Dextera (2010)
Graduation (Dmr)—Arabian Light (2000); Icecoldbeeratreds (2002)
Great Lady M (Hol)—Costume Designer (2006); Porto Marmay (2009)
Harold C. Ramser Sr. H. (GIII-OT-Hol)—Go Forth North (2010)
Hawthorne Gold Cup H. (GII-Haw)—Awesome Gem (2009)
Hollywood Gold Cup (GI-Hol)—Marquetry (1991); Siphon (1996);
Awesome Gem (2010)
Hollywood Juvenile Championship (GIII-Hol)—EZ Warrior (2006); Majestic City
(2011)
Hollywood Prevue (GIII-Hol)—Commitisize 1997); Premier Property (1998)
Hollywood Starlet (GI)—Romance is Diane (2006); Turbulent Descent (2010)
Illinois Derby (GIII-Haw)—American Lion (2010)
Inglewood H. (GIII-Hol)—Fateful Dream (2001)
John C. Mabee H. (GI-Dmr)—Tuzla (1999); Janet (2001)
Kentucky Oaks (GI-CD)—Keeper Hill (1998)
La Jolla H. (GII-Dmr)—Purely Cozzene (GIII-2000); A.P. Warrior (2006)
Lakeview Thoroughbred Farms (Hol)—Five Star Meeting (2003)
Las Madrinas H. (Fpx)—Tante Suerte (2006)
Lazaro Barrera Memorial (GIII-Hol)—Time to Get Even (2007)
Le Cle (Hol)—It Tiz (2010)
Lone Star Derby (LS)—Anet (1997)
Lone Star Park H. (GIII-LS)—Luftikus (2000); Dixie Dot Com (2001)
Longacres Mile H. (GIII-EmD)—Isitingood (1996); Awesome Gem (2011)
Mervyn LeRoy H. (GII-Hol)—Siphon (1996); Even the Score (2004); Ace Blue
(2005)
Miesque (GIII-Hol)—Hopeful Amber (1991-2nd div.); Atlantic Ocean (2002)
Milady H. (GII-Hol)—Ultra Blend (2011)
Moccasin (Hol)—Turbulent Descent (2010)
National Jockey Club H. (GIII-Haw)—Ten Most Wanted (2004)
Neartic (WO)—Nuclear Debate (2002)
New England Classic (Rkm)—Marquetry (1991)
New Orleans H. (GII-FG)—Isitingood (GIII-1997)
New Orleans Ladies (FG)—Zardana (2010)
Oak Leaf (GI-OT-Hol)—Rigoletta (2010)
Oceanside (Dmr)—Wild Babe (2004-1st div.)
Osunitas (Dmr)—Dyna’s Club (2002); Meydan Princess (2009)
Pacific Classic (GI-Dmr)—General Challenge (1999)
Palomar H. (GII-Dmr)—Heart of Joy (1993)
Palomares (Fpx)—Kaweah Princess (2009)
Pepper Oaks Farm (Hol)—Le Mans (2003)
Phil D. Shepherd (Fpx)—Me My Mine (2006)
Pio Pico (Fpx)—Harvest Girl (2000); Kalookan Dancer (2007)
Pomona Derby (Fpx)—Prospect for Four (1992)
Pomona Invitational (Fpx)—Elegant Bargain (1990)
Prairie Meadows Cornhusker H. (GIII-PrM)—Semoran (1997)
Ralph M. Hines Pomona Invitational H. (Fpx)—Reba’s Gold (2002)
Rancho Bernardo H. (GIII-Dmr)—Enjoy The Moment (1999)
Redondo Beach (Hol)—Wild Mia (2011)
San Francisco BC Mile (BM)—Suances (2002)
Senorita (GIII-Hol)—Islay Mist (2000); Mrs. Kipling (2009)
Shoemaker BC Mile (GI-Hol)—Pinfloron (1997)
Silver Spur (LS)—Miss Wineshine (1999)
Snow Chief (Hol)—Chief Planner (2003)
Solana Beach (Dmr)—Top Of Our Game (2001)
Sorrento (GIII-Dmr)—Chilukki (GII-1999); Tempera (GII-2001); Tizdubai
(GII-2003); Inspiring (2004); Tasha’s Miracle (2007)
Sunset H. (GII-Hol)—Marlin (1997)
Test (GI-Sar)—Turbulent Descent (2011)
Texas Mile (GIII-LS)—Isitingood (1997)
Tiznow (Hol)—Greg’s Gold (2007)
Torrey Pines (Dmr)—Perfect Six (1999)
Turf Paradise Derby (TuP)—Robledo (2003); Mayor Marv (2009)
USA Stakes (LS)—Anet (1997); Regiment (2002)
Valkyr (Hol)—Lady Gamer (2007)
DAVID FLORES
Vanity H. (GI-Hol)—Hollywood Story (2006)
Wickerr H. (Dmr)—Special Ring (2002); Becrux (2007); Blue Chagall (2010)
Willard L. Proctor Memorial (Hol)—Majestic City (2011)
Will Rogers H. (GIII-Hol)—Doc Holiday (2002)
Windy Sands H. (Dmr)—Tropic Storm (2010)
WinStar Distaff H. (GIII-LS)—Queen of Wilshire (2002)
Woodford Reserve Turf Classic (GI-CD)—Honor In War (2003)
Highlights
• First winner: Swift Doc, March 3, 1984, at Caliente.
• 2,000th career victory: Timber Baron, Oct. 27, 1999, at Oak Tree.
• 3,000th career victory: Time to Get Even, May 20, 2007, at Hollywood Park in
Grade III Lazaro Barrera Memorial Stakes.
• Riding titles: Santa Anita: 1999; Del Mar: 1999; Oak Tree: 1999.
• Scored third Breeders’ Cup victory aboard Singletary in 2004 Mile at Lone Star
Park to reward mutuel backers at $35. First career BC victory came with Tempera
in 2001 Juvenile Fillies at Belmont Park. Added Juvenile to Breeders’ Cup list in
2003 at Santa Anita when victorious aboard Action This Day.
• Breeders’ Cup win with Singletary accounted for tenth victory in a million-dollar
race, the first coming with Marquetry in the 1991 Hollywood Gold Cup, a race
he also won with Siphon in 1996. Marquetry’s win mutuel of $56.80 was the
highest in Gold Cup history.
• Gained his third victory in Hollywood Park’s signature event when taking the
2010 Gold Cup aboard 7-year-old gelding Awesome Gem, an 8-1 shot whom he
rallied along the rail to record a half-length win over odds-on favorite Rail Trip.
Sprang a 32-1 surprise when guiding Rigoletta to a half-length upset over Tell
a Kelly in Oak Tree’s Grade I Oak Leaf Stakes contested at Hollywood Park in
2010.
• Beginning in 2010, teamed with Turbulent Descent for a brilliant string of victories that included the Grade I Hollywood Starlet that year, and, in 2011, the
Grade I Santa Anita Oaks and Saratoga’s Grade I Test Stakes. The Congrats filly
added a Grade II triumph in Keeneland’s Beaumont Stakes while winning 6 of
her first 8 starts with a pair of seconds.
• Came within one victory of tying a Hollywood Park record on Dec. 17, 2006,
when he rode five winners highlighted by score aboard Romance Is Diane in
Grade I, $459,250 Hollywood Starlet.
• Won five graded stakes aboard 4-year-old filly Citronnade in 2007: the Grade I
Gamely at Hollywood Park as well as the Grade II Beverly Hills Handicap and
Grade II Dahlia Stakes after capturing a pair of Grade II events at Santa Anita,
the San Gorgonio and Santa Ana Handicaps.
• Siphon provided first Santa Anita Handicap win in 1997 as trainer Richard
Mandella achieved an unprecedented sweep in Santa Anita’s signature event with
stablemates Sandpit and Gentlemen second and third, respectively. Proceeded to
ride Siphon to second-place finish behind Singspiel in Dubai World Cup. Good
fortune in 1997 included win in Hollywood Park’s Sunset Handicap with pick-up
mount Marlin after Chris McCarron was sidelined earlier in the day.
• Banner year in 1999 when captured seven Grade I events including six on runners trained by Bob Baffert. Among them was his first Pacific Classic aboard
General Challenge on Aug. 29, 1999, when completed the day by piloting
Chilukki to a one-length triumph in the GI Del Mar Debutante. Mounts earned
a career-high $11.9 million in 1999 when 208 victories were most among
Southern California-based jockeys and included 17 graded stakes.
• Earnings of $8.5 million in 1991 did not reflect victories in the $2-million
UAE Derby in Dubai on Express Tour and the $1-million Godolphin Mile atop
Festival of Light.
• On Sept. 20, 1992, became first rider in 54-year history of the Los Angeles
County Fair to win six races on single program.
• Won sixth consecutive riding title at Fairplex in October, 1994.
• Won 1991 Fairplex meet with record 48 victories, including seven added-money
events. Paco Mena set former mark of 38 in 1981.
• Set record in 1990 with 36 wins during Orange County Fair, including four on
opening day. His total broke mark of 30 set in 1988 by Corey Black.
• Won six races on June 4, 1989, at Caliente. Set an apprentice record at Caliente
in 1984 with 61 wins.
Personal
• Joined Southern California jockey colony in July of 1989 at Del Mar after having
begun career at Caliente racetrack in Tijuana.
• His late father, David, rode at Caliente and spent several years as an exercise rider
in Southern California. Young David grew up around horses at the track and
began riding in 1984.
• Suffered a cracked vertebrae and separated right shoulder in Aug. 1, 1997 spill,
costing him the mount on Siphon in the Pacific Classic. A dislocated elbow
sustained in a three-horse spill on Feb. 26, 2005 cost him six weeks during Santa
Anita meet.
• His diet leading up to the 1991 Hollywood Gold Cup consisted mostly of
Cheerios as he was able to make 110 pounds in upsetting high-weighted favorite
Farma Way, who carried 122.
david flores
MARTIN GARCIA
Birthplace: Veracruz, Mexico
Height: 5'1"
Weight: 106 pounds
Single
Residence: Ontario
Triple Crown Win
Preakness (GI-Pim)—Lookin At Lucky (2010)
Arcadia (GII)—Liberian Freighter (2011)
China Doll—Sweeter Still (2008)
Harold C. Ramser Jr. H. (GIII)—Up In Time (2011-SA)
Joe Hernandez—Sangaree (2010)
La Canada (GII)—Always a Princess (2011)
Oak Tree Mile (GII)—Jeranimo (2011-SA)
Palos Verdes H. (GII)—Kinsale King (2010)
Santana Mile—Misremembered (2011)
San Vicente (GII)—The Factor (2011)
Santa Anita H. (GI)—Misremembered (2010)
Santa Monica H. (GI)—Gabby’s Golden Gal (2010)
Strub (GII)—Jeranimo (2010)
Morvich H. (GIII-OT)—Get Funky (2007)
Acorn (GI-Bel)—Champagne d’Oro (2010)
Adoration (Dmr)—Briecat (2009); Moon de French (2010)
Affirmed H. (GIII-Hol)—Coil (2011)
A Gleam H. (GII-Hol)—Irish Gypsy (2011)
Alysheba (GIII-CD)—First Dude (2011)
American Oaks (GI-Hol)—Harmonious (2010); Cambina (DH-2011)
Bangles and Beads (Fpx)—Steelin' (2008)
Barretts Juvenile (Fpx)—Roman Commander (2006); Seattle Ruler (2009)
California BC Oaks (GG)—Sierra Sweetie (2006)
California State Fair Sprint H. (Sac)—Dance With Gable (2009)
CERF H. (Dmr)—Highland Torree (2008)
Cinemine (LS)—Bonnie Blue Flag (2010)
C.T.B.A. (Dmr)—Ces’t Mark (2006)
Del Mar Futurity (GI-Dmr)—Drill
Desert Stormer H. (Hol)—Irish Gypsy (2011)
El Cajon (Dmr)—Celestic Night (2011)
Flawlessly (Hol)—Strawberry Tart (2009)
Foster City H. (BM)—Somethingaboutlaura (2006)
Gallant Man H. (Hol)—Kizzy’s Chaos (2009)
Governor’s Cup H. (Fpx)—Silver Stetson Man (2010)
Grand Prairie Turf Challenge (LS)—Deal Breaker (2010)
Harry F. Brubaker (Dmr)—Stormin Away (2006); Liberian Freighter (2010)
Harry Henson H. (Sun)—Freedom Star (2010)
Harry Henson (Hol)—Excessive Passion (2010)
Haskell Invitational (GI-Mth)—Lookin At Lucky (2010); Coil (2011)
Hollywood Gold Cup H. (GI-Hol)—First Dude (2011)
Hollywood Oaks (GII-Hol)—Switch (2010)
Iowa Derby (GIII-PrM)—Concord Point (2010)
Iowa Distaff (PrM)—Wynning Ride (2010)
Indiana Derby (GII-Hoo)—Lookin At Lucky (2010)
Indiana Oaks (GII-Hoo)—Always a Princess (2010)
Inglewood H. (GIII-Hol)—Liberian Freighter (2011)
MARTIN GARCIA
Instant Racing (OP)—May Day Rose (2011)
Kentucky Oaks (GI-CD)—Plum Pretty (2011)
Khaled (Hol)—Unusual Smoke (2009)
Lone Star Derby (GIII-LS)—Game On Dude (2010)
Louis R. Rowan (OT-Hol)—Mother Ruth (2010)
Manhattan Beach (Hol)—Strawberry Tart (2009); Southern Fireball (2010)
Maryland Sprint H. (GIII-Pim)—Ventana (2011)
Oak Tree Mile (GII-OT-Hol) —Liberian Freighter (2010)
Pat O’Brien (GI-Dmr)—The Factor (2011)
Phil D. Shepherd S. (Fpx)—Freesgood (2008)
Ralph M. Hinds Pomona Invitational (Fpx)—Z Humor (2009)
Real Good Deal (Dmr)—Seven Nation Army (2006)
Rebel (GII-OP)—The Factor (2011)
Round Table H. (Hol)—Stormin Away (2007)
Senorita (GIII-Hol)—Sweeter Still (2008)
Sharp Cat (Hol)—May Day Rose (2010)
Southwest (GIII-OP)—Conveyance (2010)
Sunland Park Oaks (Sun)—Plum Pretty (2011)
Texas Mile (GIII-LS)—Mythical Power (2010)
Valid Expectations (LS)—Mother Ruth (2010); Irish Gypsy (2011)
Vernon O. Underwood (GIII-Hol)—Kinsale King (2009)
Victory Ride (GIII-Sar)—Rapport (2010)
West Virginia Derby (GII-Mnr)—Concord Point (2010)
Highlights
• First winner: Wild Daydreamer, on Aug. 17, 2005 at Bay Meadows Fair with his
third mount.
• First stakes win: Somethingaboutlaura in the 2006 $75,000 Foster City
Handicap at Bay Meadows.
• First $100,000 stakes win: Sierra Sweetie in the 2006 California Breeders’ Cup
Oaks at Golden Gate Fields.
• Riding title: Bay Meadows: 2006-tie.
• With the support of Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, career absolutely soared
in 2010 when rising from 68th (10 percent winners in 2009) to seventh on the
national earnings list. Not only did he win six Grade I races after never having
scored in better than a Grade III, but he captured two of the sport’s most famous
races at the age of 25, the Preakness aboard Lookin At Lucky and the Santa Anita
Handicap atop Misremembered, both for Baffert.
• After Lookin At Lucky had finished sixth under two-time Eclipse Award winner Garrett Gomez in the Kentucky Derby (“bad karma,” noted Baffert), Garcia
got the call in the Preakness even though his first classic ride had resulted in a
15th place finish for Baffert on Conveyance two weeks previous in Garcia’s first
Kentucky Derby. The winning margin in the Preakness was three-quarters of a
length while Lookin At Lucky benefitted from flawless handling.
• Two months prior to the Preakness, Garcia had replaced Victor Espinoza aboard
Misremembered to gain his first ride in the Santa Anita Handicap and the pair
emerged with a half-length triumph. “I’ve been winning with this kid,” Baffert
said in the winner’s circle. “Our numbers are really huge (14 wins from 51 runners, 27.4 percent).” Baffert would add this about Garcia: “If he was a basketball
player, he would have gone to the NBA right out of high school. He’s got that
kind of raw talent.”
• Garcia had dedicated his first Grade I win – with Gabby’s Golden Girl in Santa
Anita’s Santa Monica Handicap on Jan. 31 -- to Baffert, and the team would
later add Monmouth Park’s Grade I Haskell Invitational as well as Hoosier Park’s
Grade II, $750,000 Indiana Derby with Lookin At Lucky. Other Grade I victories for Garcia in 2010 included Belmont’s Acorn with Champagne d’Oro and
Hollywood Park’s American Oaks with Harmonious.
• Provided Baffert with his second triumph in the Kentucky Oaks in 2011 when
directing Plum Pretty to a 6-1 upset before 110,122 fans at Churchill Downs.
Plum Pretty’s score followed a 25-length win in the Sunland Oaks in New
Mexico. Other Grade I victories aboard Baffert runners in 2011 included First
Dude in Hollywood Park’s signature race, the Gold Cup; the Del Mar Futurity
with Drill; Del Mar’s Pat O’Brien Stakes aboard The Factor, and the Haskell
Invitational with Coil at Monmouth Park.
• Tied perennial leader and Hall of Famer Russell Baze for the 2006 Bay Meadows
riding title with 47 victories by winning the last race on closing day of the 31-day
meet. Northern California kingpin Baze had dominated the standings at 35 previous Bay Meadows meetings.
• Moved his tack to Southern California in late April of 2006 to ride regularly at
Hollywood Park’s spring/summer meet where he rode 46 winners to finish third
in the standings behind Victor Espinoza and Patrick Valenzuela. Placed second
behind Espinoza at the Del Mar meet while notching 35 victories in seven weeks.
• Started 2006 on a win streak with seven consecutive multiple-win days beginning
Jan. 5, capping it on Jan. 13 with a four-win day to give him 18 victories during
the eight-day span.
Personal
• The native of Vera Cruz, Mexico, has never seen his mother and father. He was
abandoned by his mother, who became pregnant with him when she was 14.
Raised by his grandmother, Garcia left school at age 11 and became a construction worker in an effort to make some money.
• “He’s a great kid,” commented Bob Baffert, who calls Garcia “Alvin” after Alvin
the Chipmunk. “The best thing about him is that he appreciates where he came
from. Even as he was about to get on the horse (for the Preakness), he was still
thanking me. He said, ‘Thank you so much again for letting me ride the horse
(Lookin At Lucky).’”
• Came to the United States from Mexico in 2003. Through a friend, acquired
work in a deli in Pleasanton, California, although he did not speak English.
• Deli owner Terri Terry provided introduction to Mark Hanna, a former jockey,
who got him additional work as an exercise rider. Despite inexperience, galloped
horses in Pleasanton for six months before moving to Golden Gate Fields.
• Before moving tack to Southern California, continued to work two days a week
as a cook at Terri Terry’s deli after becoming successful jockey as expression of
gratitude.
MARTIN GARCIA
GARRETT GOMEZ
Birthplace: Tucson, Arizona
Height: 5’3”
Weight: 114 pounds
Wife: Pam
Children: Jared and Amanda
Residence: Duarte
Breeders' Cup Wins
Classic (GI)—Blame (2010-CD)
Dirt Mile—Albertus Maximus (2008-OT)
Filly & Mare Sprint—Ventura (2008-OT)
Juvenile (GI)—Stevie Wonderboy (2005-Bel); Midshipman (2008-OT)
Juvenile Fillies (GI)—Indian Blessing (2007-Mth)
Juvenile Fillies Turf (GII)—More Than Real (2010-CD)
Juvenile Turf (GII)—Pluck (2010-CD)
Ladies' Classic (GI)—Life Is Sweet (OT-2009)
Mile (GI)—Artie Schiller (2005-Bel)
Sprint (GI)—Midnight Lute (2007-Mth, 2008-OT)
Ancient Title (GI-OT)—Gayego (2009)
Anoakia (OT)—Ponche de Leona (2001); Mi Chiamano Mimi (2008)
Arcadia H. (GII)—Compari (2010)
Baldwin (GIII)—Fast Parade (2006)
Blue Norther—Make Mine Minnie (2006); In the Slips (2010)
Buena Vista H. (GIII)—Costume (GII-2008); Jibboom (2009)
California Breeders’ Champion (Colts)—Pirates Deputy (2006)
California Breeders’ Champion (Fillies)—Spring Awakening (2007); Saucey Evening
(2008)
California Cup Classic H. (OT)—Budroyale (1998)
California Cup Distaff H. (OT)—Chichim (1999)
Califonia Cup Juvenile Fillies (OT)—Saucey Evening (2008)
California Cup Mile H. (OT)—Native Desert (1999); The Usual Q. T. (2009)
California Cup Sprint H. (OT)—Love That Red (1999)
California Cup Starter H. (OT)—Ata Olympio (2004)
California Cup Starter Sprint H. (OT)—Bordonaro (2005)
Carleton F. Burke H. (GIII)—Spring House (2007)
Cavonnier (OT)—Direct Connect (2005)
China Doll—Cambina (2011)
Crystal Water H.—Medzendeekron (2009); Compari (2010)
Daytona H.—Royal Place (2005); Dilemma (2011)
Eddie Logan—Silver Medallion (2010)
El Conejo H. (GIII)—The Exeter Man (1998); Harvard Avenue (2007)
El Encino (GII)—Fleet Lady (1998); Life Is Sweet (2009)
Frank E. Kilroe Mile (GI)—Lord Smith (GII-1999)
Goodwood BC H. (GII-OT)—Budroyale (1999)
Harold C. Ramser Sr. H. (OT)—Cindy's Hero (2001); April Pride (2009)
Hill Rise—Objective (2006)
Impressive Luck H.—Fast Parade (2007)
Jack Goodman (OT)—Macias (2009)
Kalookan Queen—Tizakitty (2005)
La Brea (GI)—Pussycat Doll (2005)
La Cañada (GII)—Fleet Lady (1998); Dawn After Dawn (2008); Life Is Sweet
(2009)
La Puente—Fighting Falcon (1999)
Lady’s Secret BC H. (GII-OT)—Healthy Addiction (2005)
Las Palmas H. (GII-OT)—Golden Apples (2001); Naissance Royale (2007)
GARRETT GOMEZ
Las Virgenes (GI)—Rags to Riches (2007)
Lure (OT)—Blue Chagall (2009)
Malibu (GI)—Love That Red (1999)
Monrovia H. (GIII)—Society Hostess (2007); Jibboom (2009)
Morvich H. (GIII-OT)—Musafi (1998)
Norfolk (GI-OT)—Lookin At Lucky (2009)
Oak Tree Mile (GII-OT)—Hyperbaric (2008); Cowboy Cal (2009)
Palos Verdes H. (GII)—Friendly Island (2007); Johnny Eves (2009)
Paseana H.—Healthy Addiction (2006)
Potrero Grande H. (GII)—Son of a Pistol (1998); Harvard Avenue (2005);
Ventana (2010)
Pro or Con H.—Dancing General (2007)
Providencia (GII)—Cambina (2011)
Robert B. Lewis (GII)—Pioneerof the Nile (2009)
Robert J. Frankel (GII)—Spring Style (2011)
San Antonio H. (GII)—Budroyale (2000); Molengao (2007); Richard’s Kid (2010)
San Carlos H. (GII)—Son of a Pistol (2000); Georgie Boy (2009)
San Felipe (GII)—Pioneerof the Nile (2009)
San Fernando BC (GII)—Western Pride (2002); Unbridled Energy (2006)
San Gorgonio H. (GII)—Lady At Peace (2000); Wait a While (2008)
San Luis Obispo H. (GII)—Obrigado (2007); Spring House (2008)
San Luis Rey H. (GII)—Fourty Niners Son (2007)
San Marcos (GII)—Champs Elysees (2008); Artiste Royal (2009); Loup Breton
(2010)
San Miguel—Too Much Bling (2006)
San Rafael (GIII)—Conveyance (2010)
Santa Ana H. (GII)—Golden Apples (2002); Costume (2008)
Santa Anita Derby (GI)—Pioneerof the Nile (2009)
Santa Anita Oaks (GI)—Rags to Riches (2007)
Santa Margarita Inv. H. (GI)—Nashoba’s Key (2008); Life Is Sweet (2009); Miss
Match (2011)
Santa Maria H. (GI)—India Divina (1999)
Santa Monica H. (GI)—Pussycat Doll (2007); Ventura (2009)
Santa Ysabel (GIII )—Nonies Dancer Ali (1998); Baroness Thatcher (2007)
Santa Ynez (GII)—Indian Blessing (2008)
San Vicente (GII)—Too Much Bling (2006); Evita Argentina (2009)
Sen. Ken Maddy H. (GIII)—Broken Dreams (2011-SA)
Sensational Star H.—Compari (2010)
Sham (GIII)—Ravel (2007); Colonel John (2008); Tapizar (2011)
Silverbulletday (GIII)—Indian Blessing (2008)
Sir Beaufort—Gio Ponti (2008)
Some Sensation—Fantastic Filly (2001)
Strub (GII)—Arson Squad (2007)
Sunshine Millions Classic—Go Between (2008)
Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf—Quite a Bride (2008)
Sunshine Millions Sprint—Red Warrior (2005); Georgie Boy (2009)
Sweet Life—Rose Catherine (2010)
Thunder Road H.—Storm Military (2008)
Tokyo City Cup H. (GIII)—Futural (GII-2001)
Valentine Dancer H.—Bel Air Sizzle (dh-2009)
Yellow Ribbon (GI-OT)—Wait a While (2006)
Ack Ack H. (GIII-Hol)—Grey Memo (2001); Apart (2010)
Aegon Turf Sprint (GIII-CD)—Chamberlain Bridge (2009)
Allaire duPont BC Distaff (GII-Pim)—Rolling Sea (2007)
American H. (GII-Hol)—Takarian (1999, 2001)
American Derby (GII-AP)—Honor Glide (1997)
American Oaks (GI-Hol)—Wait a While (2006)
American Turf (GII-CD)—Doubles Partner (2010); Banned (2011)
Answer Do (Hol)—Love That Red (1999)
Arkansas Derby (GII-OP)—Concern (1994); Dazzling Falls (1995)
Arlington Classic (GII-AP)—Honor Glide (1997)
Arlington Heights Oaks (GIII-AP)—Pleasant Baby (1992); Minister’s Melody
(1997)
Audrey Skirball-Kenis (Hol)—Hucking Hot (2007)
Ballston Spa H. (GII-Sar)—My Typhoon (2006); Wait a While (2007)
Bashford Manor (GIII-CD)—Hyroglyphic (1994)
Bay Meadows H. (GIII-BM)—Devine Wind (2000)
Bay Shore (GIII-Aqu)—Too Much Bling (2006); J Be K (2008)
Beaumont (GII-Kee)—Franny Freud (2010)
Bernard Baruch H. (GII-Sar)—Ashkal Way (2006)
Best Pal (GII-Dmr)—Lookin At Lucky (2009)
Beverly Hills H. (GII-Hol)—Black Mamba (2008, 2009)
Bewitch (GIII-Kee)—Communique (2008)
Blue Grass (GI-Kee)—Sinister Minister (2006)
Boiling Springs (GIII-Mth)—Strike It Rich (2010)
Bowling Green H. (GII-Bel)—Sunriver (2007); Grassy (2011)
Brooklyn H. (GII)—Any Given Saturday (2007)
California Sire (Hol)—Winston Chi (2001)
Californian (GII-Hol)—Skimming (2001)
Canadian Turf (GIII-GP)—Courageous Cat (2010)
Cat’s Cradle H. (Hol)—Gn. Group Meeting (2006)
CERF (Dmr)—Rumor (2011)
Charles Whittingham Memorial H. (GI-Hol)—Denon (2002)
Churchill Downs H. (GIII-CD)—Honor The Hero (1994)
Cigar Mile H. (GI-Aqu)—Purge (2005); Discreet Cat (2006)
Cinema BC H. (GIII-Hol)—Willow O’ Wisp (2005)
Citation H. (GI-Hol)—Military (GII-1998); Ashkal Way (2006)
Clark H. (GIII-CD)—Zeeruler (1992)
Coolmore Lexington (GII-Kee)—Advice (2009)
Cougar II H. (Dmr)—Zappa (2008)
Crown Royal American Turf (GIII-CD)—Tizdejavu (2008)
Dahlia H. (GII-Hol)—Lady At Peace (1999); Verruma (2001)
Dallas Turf Cup H. (LS)—El Gran Papa (2001); Embossed (2007)
Delaware H. (GII-Del)—Hystericalady (2008); Blind Luck (2011)
Del Mar Debutante (GI-Dmr)—Cindy’s Hero (2000)
Del Mar Derby (GII-Dmr)—Willow O' Wisp (2005); Banned (2011)
Del Mar Futurity (GI-Dmr)—Stevie Wonderboy (GII-2005); Lookin At Lucky
(2009)
Del Mar Mile (GII-Dmr)—Crossing the Line (2007); Whatsthescript (2008)
Del Mar Oaks (GI-Dmr)—Golden Apples (2001); Internallyflawless (2009)
Demoiselle (GII-Aqu)—Springside (2008)
Doubledogdare (GIII-Kee)—Asi Siempre (2007); Haka (2010)
Dwyer (GII-Bel)—Any Given Saturday (2007)
Dynamic Lisa (Bel)—Rewrite (2008)
Dynasty (Sar)—Meribel (2006)
El Cajon (Dmr)—Grazen (2009)
Early Times Mint Julep H. (GIII-CD)—Dreaming of Anna (2008)
Fleur de Lis H. (GII-CD)—Hystericalady (2008)
Floral Park H. (GIII-Bel)—Win McCool (2006)
Foresta (Bel)—Meribel (2007)
Franklin County (Kee)—Stylish Wildcat (2007)
Fran’s Valentine (Hol)—Nashoba’s Key (2007); Tutta Bella (2008)
Franklin County (Kee)—Society Hostess (2006)
Friendly Beauty (Bel)—Saltamontes (2010)
Frizette (GI-Bel)—Indian Blessing (2007)
Garden City BC (GI-Bel)—Magnificent Song (2006)
Generous (GIII-Hol)—The Leopard (2007)
Genuine Risk BC H. (GII-Bel)—Behaving Badly (2006)
Giant’s Causeway (Kee)—Forest Code (2007)
Godolphin Mile (GII-Nad)—Spring at Last (2007)
Graduation (Dmr)—Babs Moossa (2008); Ruler of Dubai (2011)
Harry F. Brubaker H. (Dmr)—Hyperbaric (2008)
Harry W. Henson BC H. (Sun)—Eyes on Eddy (2007)
Haskell Invitational H. (GI-Mth)—Any Given Saturday (2007)
Hatoof (AP)—Lucky Copy (2008)
Hawthorne Derby (GIII-Haw)—Snake Eyes (1993)
Hill Prince (GIII-Bel)—Gio Ponti (2008)
Hillsborough (GIII-BM)—I’m the Business (2002)
Hollywood Derby (GI-Hol)—Haimish Hy (2010)
Hollywood Futurity (GI-Hol)—Pioneerof the Nile (2008); Lookin At Lucky
(2009)
Hollywood BC Oaks (GII-Hol)—Adoration (2002)
Hollywood Turf Cup (GI-Hol)—Boboman (2006); Sunriver (2007)
Hopeful (GI-Sar)—Circular Quay (2006); Majestic Warrior (2007)
GARRETT GOMEZ
Humana Distaff H. (GI-CD)—Pussycat Doll (2006)
I’m Smokin (Dmr)—Babs Moossa (2008)
Iroquois H. (Bel)—Karakorum Starlet (2007)
Iroquois (GII-CD)—Tiz Wonderful (2006-GIII); Astrology (2010)
Jefferson Cup (GII-CD)—Tizdejavu (2008)
Jenny Wiley (GII-Kee)—Rutherienne (2008)
Jerome BC H. (GII-Bel)—Discreet Cat (2006)
Jersey Derby (Mth)—Buddy’s Humor (2007)
Jersey Shore (GIII-Mth)—J Be K (2008)
Jim Murray Memorial H. (GIII-Hol)—Runaway Dancer (2005)
Jockey Club Gold Cup (GI-Bel)—Borrego (2005)
John C. Mabee H. (GII-Dmr)—Black Mamba (GI-2008); Cozi Rosie (2011)
John Morrisey (Sar)—Gold and Roses (2006)
Junior Champion (Mth)—A Brilliant Idea (2010)
Just a Game (GI-Bel)—Ventura (2008)
Kentucky Cup Classic (GII-TP)—Furthest Land (2009)
Kentucky Cup Distaff (GIII-TP)—Indescribable (2009)
Kentucky Cup Sprint (GIII-TP)—El Brujo (2009)
Kentucky Jockey Club (GIII-CD)—War Deputy (1993)
Kentucky Oaks (GI-CD)—Rags to Riches (2007)
Klassy Briefcase (Mth)—West Ocean (2010)
La Jolla H. (GII-Dmr)—Willow O' Wisp (2005)
Lake George (GIII-Sar)—Rutherienne (2007)
Lake Placid (GII-Sar)—Wait a While (2006)
Lane's End Breeders' Futurity (GII-Kee)—Captain Steve (1999)
La Troienne (GII-CD)—Blind Luck (2011)
Lazaro S. Barrera Memorial (GII-Hol)—Love That Red (1999)
Lecomte (GIII-FG)—Wilkinson (2011)
Lighthouse (Mth)—Malibu Prayer (2010)
Little Silver (Mth)—Strike It Rich (2010)
Lone Star Park H. (GIII-LS)—Bob and John (2007); Giant Gizmo (2008)
Longacres Mile H. (GIII-EmD)—Budroyale (1999)
Magali Farms (Hol)—Rare Exchange (2007)
Mamzelle (CD)—Just for Keeps (2008)
Manhattan H. (GI-Bel)—Gio Ponti (2009)
Manner Downs Thoroughbred Futurity (Man)—Expect Smoke (2008)
Matchmaker (GIII-Mth)—Roshani (2007)
Matriarch (GI-Hol)—Ventura (2009)
Melair (Hol)—She’s an Eleven (2006)
Mervin H. Muniz Jr. Memorial H. (GII-FG)—Lord Smith (1999);
Proudinsky (2008)
Mervyn LeRoy H. (GII-Hol)—Budroyale (1999)
Miesque (GIII-Hol)—Star’s Proud Penny (1997); Fantastic Filly (2000)
Mike Lee (Bel)—Chief Lake (2007)
Miss Preakness (GIII-Pim)—Heart Ashley (2009)
Miss Woodford (Mth)—Coco Belle (2007)
Moccasin (Hol)—Spring Awakening (2007)
National Jockey Club (GIII-Spt)—Bucks Nephew (1997)
Native Diver H. (GIII-Hol)—Trotamondo (2005); Saint Stephen (2006)
Nearctic (GI-WO)—Serious Attitude (2010)
New Orleans H. (GII-FG)—Latin American (1993); Circular Quay (2008); Mission
Impazible (2011)
New York Stallion (Bel)—Franny Freud (2010)
New York Stallion Cupecoy's Joy (Bel)—Sutdy Abroad (2008)
New York Stallion Park Avenue (Bel)—Franny Freud (2010)
Northern Dancer (GIII-CD)—High Cotton (2006); Colizeo (2010)
Northern Dancer Turf (GI-WO)—Champs Elysees (2008)
Oceanside (Dmr)—Becrux (2005-1st div.)
Oklahoma Derby (RP)—Top Hit (2001)
On Trust (Hol)—Grey Memo (2000)
Osunitas (Dmr)—Andina (2011)
Ouija Board Distaff H. (GIII-LS)—Lady of Venice (2007)
Pacific Classic (GI-Dmr)—Skimming (2000, 2001); Borrego (2005);
Go Between (2008)
Palomar H. (GII-Dmr)—City to City (2011)
Phoenix BC (GIII-Kee)—Five Star Day (2000)
Playa del Rey (Hol)—Lady Gamer (2007); Bsharpsonata (2008)
Pleasant Colony (Sar)—Trickmeister (2010)
Pocahantas (GIII-CD)—Change Up (2006)
Poker H. (GIII-Bel)—Art Master (2007)
Prairie Meadow Cornhusker (PM)—Euchre (2001)
Prioress (GI-Bel)—Franny Freud (2010)
Real Good Deal (Dmr)—Lethal Heat (2008)
Real Quiet (Hol)—Chocolate Candy (2008)
Rebel (GII-OP)—Lookin At Lucky (2010)
Red Wing Dream (Bel)—Emirates to Dubai (2008)
Remington Green H. (RP)—Gauntlet Boy (1989); Latin American (1992)
Remington Park Derby (RP)—Marked Tree (1993); Dazzling Falls (1995)
Roanoke (Prx)—Gunfighter (2011)
Round Table (AP)—World Class Splash (GIII-1992)
Rumson (Mth)—Cool Bullet (2010)
Rushaway (TP)—Ronton (2000)
San Diego H. (GII-Dmr)—Skimming (2000, 2001)
Sands Point (Bel)—Wait a While (2006); Rutherinne (GIII-2007)
Sandy Blue H. (Dmr)—Sweeter Still (2008); Mizdirection (2011)
Saratoga Dew (Sar)—Judy Soda (2006)
Saratoga Special (GII-Sar)—Kantharos (2010)
Schenectady H. (Bel)—Oprah Winney (2007)
Secretariat (GI-AP)—Honor Glide (1997)
Select (Mth)—Cobalt Blue (2007)
Senorita (GIII-Hol)—Fantastic Filly (2001); Adoration (2002)
Shadwell Turf Mile (GI-Kee)—Aussie Rules (2006)
Shakertown (GIII-Kee)—Atticus Kristy (2006)
Sharp Cat (Hol)—Runway Rosie (2006)
Sir Barton (GIII-Pim)—High Cotton (2006)
Sheepshead Bay H. (GIII-Bel)—Honey Rider (2006)
Snow Chief (Hol)—Compari (2009)
Spectacular Bid (AP)—Dixie Band (2009)
Spinaway (GI-Sar)—R Heat Lightning (2010)
Spinster (GI-Kee)— Plenty of Light (2000); Panty Raid (2007)
Stars and Stripes BC Turf (GIII-AP)—Blair’s Cove (1991)
Stephen Foster H. (GI-CD)—Blame (2010)
Stonerside Beaumont (GII-Kee)—Ariege (2008)
Stuka (Hol)—Tiz Chrome (2009)
Summer (GIII-WO)—Pluck (2010)
Swale (GP-GII)—This Ones for Phil (2009)
Sword Dancer Invitational (GI-Sar)—Telling (2010)
Sycamore BC (GIII-Kee)—Revved Up (2006)
Ticonderoga H. (Bel)—Rewrite (2007)
Torrey Pines (Dmr)—Dawn Before Dawn (2008)
Travers (GI-Sar)—Colonel John (2008)
True North H. (GII-Bel)—Bribon (2010)
Unbridled Sidney (CD)—Candy Cane (2010)
United Nations (GI-Mth)—Chinchon (2010)
USA (LS)—Boss Lafitte (2008)
Vagrancy H. (GII-Bel)—Looky Yonder (2008)
Valley View (GIII-Kee)—Meribel (2006)
Vanity H. (GI-Hol)—Blind Luck (2011)
Vernon O. Underwood (GIII-Hol)—Johnny Eves (2008)
Vinery Madison (GII-Kee)—Ventura (2008); Shotgun Gulch (2011)
Virginia Derby (GII-Cnl)—Go Between (2006); Gio Ponte (2008)
Vosburgh (GI-Bel)—Taste of Paradise (2005)
West Virginia Cup (Mnr)—Salinja (2008)
Whitney H. (GI-Sar)—Blame (2010)
Wickerr (Dmr)—Tsigane (2005); Colonel John (2009)
William Donald Schaefer Memorial (GIII-Pim)—Blame (2010); Apart (2011)
WinStar Sunland Park Oaks (Sun)—Sky Morn (2008)
Woodbine Mile (GI-WO)—Shakespeare (2007); Ventura (2009)
Woodford Reserve Turf Classic (GI-CD)—English Channel (2006)
Wood Memorial (GI-Aqu)—Bob and John (2006)
Woody Stephens (GII-Bel)—J Be K (2008)
Yerba Buena BC H. (GIII-GG)—Blending Element (1999)
GARRETT GOMEZ
Highlights
• Riding titles: Santa Anita: (2006-07 tie); Oak Tree: (2005); Hollywood Park:
(spring/summer 2005; fall, 1998, 2006).
• 3,000th career win: Hyperbaric in Oak Tree's Oak Tree Mile at Santa Anita on
Sept. 28, 2008.
• 2,000th career win: Scoring on Adalgisa at Del Mar on Aug. 10, 2002.
• 1,000th win: 1995 at Oaklawn Park.
• Firmly etched his name in horseracing lore with a masterful ride aboard victorious Blame in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Churchill Downs in 2010
to deny – by a matter of inches – Zenyatta’s bid for perfection as the magnificent
6-year-old mare attempted to exit the sport with an unparalleled 20-0 record.
His classic ride in the Classic gained Gomez a fourth Bill Shoemaker Award for
Breeders’ Cup excellence following earlier event victories in the Juvenile Fillies
Turf aboard More Than Real and the Juvenile Turf atop Pluck. His accomplishments over the two days were all the more dramatic after having been carried
off the track on a stretcher one day previous and being treated for a shoulder
injury that resulted from a spill. Tuned up for his twelfth Breeders’ Cup triumph
and first in the Classic with wins astride Blame in a pair of Grade I stakes, the
Stephen H. Foster Handicap at Churchill Downs and the Whitney Handicap at
Saratoga. “For me, this is the best win I’ve ever had,” Gomez said following the
Breeders’ Cup Classic.
• Achieved a fourth consecutive national riding title, as determined by earnings, in
2009 when narrowly edging Julien Leparoux by $10,606 as his mounts earned
$18,571,171. He remarkably brought back checks with 10 mounts in the 14
Breeders’ Cup races conducted over two days at Santa Anita, highlighted by his
upset victory aboard Life Is Sweet in the Ladies’ Classic. His mounts, which
included four runner-up efforts, earned $2,829,000. Despite beginning 2010
with a meet-leading nine stakes wins at Santa Anita and his subsequent accomplishments in the Breeders’ Cup, his four-year reign atop the national standings
would come to an end.
• His 2009 season included 11 Grade I victories, among them his first Santa Anita
Derby win aboard Pioneerof the Nile. He turned Turfway Park’s Kentucky Cup
into a one-man show with a sweep of the three-race series that included a win
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with Furthest Land in the Kentucky Cup Classic. After taking Santa Anita’s
Grade II El Encino Stakes and Grade I Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap
while riding Life Is Sweet, he rallied her from dead last to take the Breeders’ Cup
Ladies’ Classic by 2 1/2 lengths at 8-1. During Oak Tree’s Breeders’ Cup World
Championships in 2008, he became the first jockey in the event’s history to win
four Breeders’ Cup races during a single year while breaking the record of two.
After scoring aboard Ventura in the Filly & Mare Sprint on Friday, Oct. 24, at
Santa Anita, came back on Saturday to win with Albertus Maximus (Dirt Mile),
Midshipman (Juvenile) and Midnight Lute (Sprint), the latter for a second
straight year. Showing earned him a third Bill Shoemaker Award for riding excellence in the Breeders’ Cup.
His Breeders’ Cup domination, with four additional mounts finishing in the
money, added up to purse money of $3,785,705 for the two days and pushed
his earnings for 2008 to $21.4 (nearly $7 million more than runner-up Kent
Desormeaux) with just over two months remaining in the year. His earnings for
the year reached a career-high of over $23.3 million as he was voted a second successive Eclipse Award.
Realized a remarkable season in 2007 when earning his first Eclipse Award and
leading the nation in earnings (a then career high $22.8 million) for a second
straight year as he broke Jerry Bailey’s North American record for most stakes
wins in a season while capturing 76 and gained his second Bill Shoemaker Award.
Broke Bailey’s 2003 record of 70 stakes victories on Nov. 11, 2007 at Hollywood
Park when taking the $108,100 Moccasin Stakes with Spring Awakening, one
day after the 35-year-old rider had equaled the mark aboard Hucking Hot in the
$68,650 Audrey Skirball-Kenis Stakes. “It feels like we’ve really accomplished
something,” he said following the Moccasin. “It has been slowly sinking in.”
Was voted his second Shoemaker Award after victories at Monmouth Park in the
Sprint aboard Midnight Lute and in the Juvenile Fillies aboard Indian Blessing,
both for trainer Bob Baffert. “Last year was beyond my expectations,” he commented, “and so is this year.” Began 2007 by tying Victor Espinoza for the lead in
the jockeys’ standings at Santa Anita at 83 wins apiece.
• Two seasons into his dramatic comeback led all North American jockeys with
purse earnings of $20,122,592 in 2006 after riding 34 graded stakes winners, 12
of them achieved in Grade I events, while splitting his time between Santa Anita
and the New York circuit. Returned to riding primarily in California in 2009.
• In 2011, became the regular rider of trainer Jerry Hollendorfer’s Blind Luck,
the 3-year-old filly champion of 2010 who had been ridden during that season
by both Rafael Bejarano and Joel Rosario. For Gomez, Blind Luck ended a succession of four runner-up finishes by taking the Grade II La Troienne Stakes at
Churchill Downs on May 6. She followed with a breathtaking finish to capture
Hollywood Park’s Grade I Vanity before taking the measure of arch rival Havre
de Grace, the 7-10 choice, by a nose under Gomez’s hand ride in the Grade II,
$750,000 Delaware Handicap at Delaware Park on July 16.
• Gained national prominence in 2005, his first full season of riding since having
dealt with substance abuse problems that kept him from racing for almost two
years: Dec. 12, 2002 through Sept. 10, 2004. His stellar comeback season was
highlighted by winning the prestigious Shoemaker Award for outstanding performance by a jockey in 2005 Breeders’ Cup when he won Juvenile aboard Stevie
Wonderboy, Mile on Artie Schiller and missed by a head in Sprint aboard Taste of
Paradise.
• In 2005, his mounts earned a then career-high $14.2 million as he ranked fifth
nationally while winning seven Grade I races and leading all Southern California
jockeys with 245 victories. Million-dollar race wins aside from the Breeders’ Cup
included Del Mar’s Pacific Classic and Belmont’s Jockey Club Gold Cup aboard
Borrego.
• Victory with Borrego in the 15th running of the Pacific Classic was his third in
Del Mar’s signature race, more than any other rider, after having scored back-toback wins atop Skimming in 2000 and 2001.
• Won his first riding title in seven years in 2005 when he topped standings at
Hollywood Park’s spring/summer meet with 62 wins before adding the Oak Tree
title with 44 wins.
• Moved tack to New York in 2006 when afforded an opportunity to ride for top
Eastern trainer Todd Pletcher after two-time Eclipse Award-winning jockey John
Velazquez sustained multiple injuries in an April 20 spill. “Anytime you get the
opportunity to ride for a first-class operation like Todd’s, you’d be foolish not to
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do it,” he said. With Velazquez sidelined, teamed with Pletcher to win Churchill
Downs’ Grade I Woodford Reserve Turf Classic Stakes with English Channel and
three stakes on the 2006 Preakness Day undercard at Pimlico Race Course. Rode
the winners of four graded stakes during the 2006 Saratoga meet.
One day after his repeat Pacific Classic victory in 2001 scored his second Grade I
win of the weekend on Golden Apples in the $300,000 Del Mar Oaks. One week
after his first with Skimming in 2001 took another Grade I, the $250,000 Del
Mar Debutante aboard Cindy’s Hero. The 2000 Pacific Classic triumph ended a
streak of second-place finishes aboard Budroyale in million-dollar races including the 1999 Hollywood Gold Cup, 1999 Breeders’ Cup Classic and 2000 Santa
Anita Handicap.
Rode Honor Glide during his sweep of Arlington Park’s 1997 Mid-America
Triple. Honor Glide, who completed the turf series sweep in the GI Secretariat,
was the first horse to gain that accomplishment since Buckpasser in 1966.
Won five races on a single card at Arlington Park on July 11, 1991.
Made presence felt at 1992 Oaklawn Park meeting when he led perennial
Oaklawn leader Pat Day into the final day of the meeting, only to have Day edge
him for the riding title, 64-62.
Second-leading apprentice of 1989 in races won (189).
Personal
• While dealing with substance abuse problems in 2003 and 2004, his weight
reached a high of 147 pounds, 30 over his riding weight. “It’s been a long road
back,” he said of his comeback. “I’m just grateful to be riding, period, much less
winning.” Just days after his comeback, won the $118,800 Barretts Debutante,
the richest race of the 2004 Fairplex meet.
• Took break from Southern California circuit during 2002 Oak Tree and
Hollywood Park meets to ride successfully at Sunland Park in New Mexico.
• Took time away from the racetrack in 1995 for personal reasons. Returned in
early 1996.
• Began riding career in Sept. 1988 at Santa Fe Downs.
• Rode the fair circuit, then moved on to Nebraska’s Fonner Park and Ak-sar-ben.
• Rode against his father, Louie, at least four times.
GARRETT GOMEZ
Julien Leparoux
Birthdate: July 15, 1983
Birthplace: Senlis, France
Height: 5’4”
Weight: 108 pounds
Single
Breeders' Cup Wins
Dirt Mile (GI)—Furthest Land (2009-OT)
Filly and Mare Sprint (GI)—Informed Decision (2009-OT)
Filly & Mare Turf (GI)—Forever Together (2008-OT)
Juvenile Fillies (GI)—She Be Wild (2009-OT)
Juvenile Turf—Nownownow (2007-Mth)
Santa Anita H. (GI)—Einstein (2009)
Ack Ack H. (GIII-CD)—Istan (2007); Mister Marti Gras (2011)
Adirondack (GII-Sar)—My Miss Aurelia (2011)
Aegon Turf Sprint (GIII-CD)—Man of Illusion (2006)
Allaire DuPont Distaff (GII-Pim)—Skylighter (2009)
All Along (GIII-Cnl)—Winter View (2009)
Alligator Alley (GP)—Longhunter (2011)
American Derby (GII-AP)—Reb (2009)
American Oaks Invitational (GI-Hol)—Pure Clan (2008)
Appalachian (GIII-Kee)—Check the Label (2010)
Arlington H. (GIII-AP)—Cosmonaut (2006, 2007)
Ashley T. Cole (Bel)—Uncle T Seven (2010)
Azeri (GIII-OP)—Acoma (2009)
Beaumont (GII-Kee)—War Kill (2009)
Bernard Baruch H. (GII-Sar)—Turallure (2011)
Beverly D (GI-AP)—Gorella (2006)
Bewitch (Kee-GIII)—Winter View (2009)
Black Gold (FG)—Amazing Results (2008)
Bonnie Miss (OP)—Justwhistledixie (2009)
Bourbon (GIII-Kee)—Rogue Romance (2010)
Buckland (Cnl)—Twiceasbeautiful (2009)
Canadian (GII-WO)—Never Retreat (2011)
Cardinal H. (GIII-CD)—Sabellina (2006); Deluxe (2011)
Carter H. (GI-Aqu)—Warrior’s Reward (2010)
Cash Call Mile Invitational (GII-Hol)—Lady of Venice (2007)
Central Bank Transylvania (GIII-Kee)—Stormalory (2009)
Chicago H. (GIII-AP)—Informed Decision (2009, 2010)
Churchill Downs (GII-CD)—Accredit (2009)
Churchill Downs Turf Sprint (GIII-CD)—Silver Timber (2010)
Clark H. (GII-CD)—Einstein (2008)
Coolmoore Lexington (GIII-Kee)—Derby Kitten (2011)
Crown Royal American Turf (GIII-CD)—Stream Cat (2006)
Dahlia H. (GII-Hol)—Grand Melody (2006)
Dallas Turf Cup H. (LS)—Seaspeak (GIII-2009); Dean's Kitten (2011)
Dania Beach (GP)—Jack Spratt (2009); Nordic Truce (2010)
Davona Dale (GII-GP)—Amen Hallelujah (2010)
Debutante (GIII-CD)—Decelerator (2009)
Diana (GI-Sar)—Forever Together (2008, 2009)
Distorted Humor (Sar)—Wine Police (2011)
Dogwood BC Cup (GIII-CD)—Lady Joanne (2007)
JULIEN LEPAROUX
Dream Supreme H. (CD)—Elope (2008)
Dr. James Penny Memorial H. (Pha)—Cherokee Queen (2010)
Dwyer (GII-Bel)—Dominus (2011)
Edgewood (CD)—Dynazaper (2010)
Eight Belles (GIII-CD)—Buckleupbuttercup (2010)
El Joven (Ret)—Kera’s Kitten (2009)
Fair Grounds H. (GIII-FG)—Diamond Tycoon (2009)
Falls City H. (GII-CD)—Serenading (2009)
Fayette (GII-Kee)—Wise Dan (2011)
First Lady (GI-Kee)—Gorella (GII-2006); Forever Together (2008); Never
Retreat (2011)
Fleur de Lis H. (GII-CD)—Happy Ticket (2006)
Florida Derby (GI-GP)—Dialed In (2011)
Flower Bowl Inv. (GI-Bel)—Pure Clan (2009)
F. W. Gaudin Memorial (FG)—Mutadda (2009)
Gallant Bloom H. (GII-Bel)—My Jen (2010)
Gallorette H. (GIII-Pim)—Rainbow View (2010)
Golden Rod (GII-CD)—Pure Clan (2007); Kathmanblu (2010)
Gotham (GIII-Aqu)—Awesome Act (2010)
Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint (GP)—Stradvinsky (2011)
Hansel (TP)—Turfiste (2009)
Harry Henson H. (Sun)—Twelve Twenty Two (2011)
Hattie Mosley (Sar)—My Redbyrd (2011)
Hollywood Prevue (GIII-Hol)—Belgravia (2006); American Lion (2009)
Holy Bull (GIII-GP)—Saratoga Sinner (GII-2009); Dialed In (2011)
Honey Fox (GIII-GP)—Never Retreat (2011)
Humana Distaff (GI-CD)—Informed Decision (2009)
Hutcheson (GII-GP)—Capt. Candyman Can (2009)
Indiana Derby (GII-Hoo)—Wilburn (2011)
Indiana Oaks (GII-Hoo)—Juanita (2011)
Inside Information (GII-GP)—Warbling (2010)
Iowa Distaff (PrM)—Fancy Fusaichi (2008)
Iroquois (GIII-CD)—Court Vision (2007); Capt. Candyman Can (2008)
Jenny Wiley (GII-Kee)—Forever Together (2009)
Jessamine (Kee)—Kathmanblu (2010)
Jim Dandy (GII-Sar)—Macho Again (2008)
Jim McKay Turf Sprint (Pim)—Central City (2010)
John’s Call (Sar)—Solitaire (2009)
Juddmonte Spinster (GI-Kee)—Asi Siempre (2006)
Just A Game (GII-Bel)—Gorella (2006)
Kentucky Cup Distaff (GIII-TP)—Danzon (2007)
Kentucky Cup Juvenile (GIII-TP)—Texas Fever (2007)
Kentucky Jockey Club (GII-CD)—Anak Nakal (2007)
Lady’s Secret (Mth)—Quiet Giant (2011)
Lake Placid (GIII-Sar)—It’s Tea Time (2010)
La Prevoyante H. (GII-Crc)—Herboriste (2008)
La Senorita (Ret)—Lisa’s Kitten (2009)
Latham (Sar)—Bridgetown (2010)
Lone Star Park H. (GIII-LS)—It’s a Bird (2009)
Majestic Light (Mth)—Soaring Empire (2011)
Maker’s Mark Mile (GI-Kee)—Karelian (2010)
Mardi Gras (FG)—Cloudburst (2008)
Miss Grillo (Bel)—Dad’s Crazy (2009)
Modesty H. (GIII-AP)—Pure Clan (2009)
Molly Pitcher (GII-Mth)—Quiet Giant (2011)
Mr. Prospector (GIII-GP)—Custom for Carlos (2010)
Mrs. Revere (GII-CD)—Acoma (2008)
Nearctic (GII-WO)—Field Commission (2009)
New York Stallion Cab Calloway (Sar)—Uncle T Seven (2009)
Northern Dancer BC (GIII-CD)—Successful Dan (2009)
Northern Dancer Turf (GI-WO)—Just as Well (2009)
Oaklawn H. (GII-OP)—It’s a Bird (2009)
Opening Verse (CD)—Turallure (2011)
Ouija Board Distaff (GIII-LS)—Wasted Tears (2011)
Palomar BC H. (GII-Dmr)—Precious Kitten (2007)
Pan Zareta (FG)—Graeme Six (2008); Beautician (2011)
Perryville (GIII-Kee)—Hatta Fort (2008)
Personal Ensign (GI-Sar)—Icon Project (2009)
Pin Oak Valley View (GIII-Kee)—Acoma (2008)
Pocahontas (GII-CD)—Pure Clan (2007-GIII); Dancinginherdreams (2010)
Presque Isle Downs Masters (GIII-PID)—Informed Decision (2009, 2010)
Queen (TP)—Just for Keeps (2009)
Quick Call (Sar)—Great Mills (2011)
Rachel Alexandra (GIII-FG)—Kathmanblu (2011)
Regret (GIII-CD)—Lady of Venice (2006); Pure Clan (2008)
Riskaverse (Sar)—Queen of the Creek (2010)
Rood and Riddle Dowager (Kee)—Herboriste (2008)
Sanford (GII-Sar)—Maybesomaybenot (2010)
Secretariat (GI-AP)—Shamdinar (2007)
Shakertown (GIII-Kee)—Silver Timber (2010)
Sir Shackleton H. (GP)—Capt. Candyman Can (2011)
Skip Away (GIII-GP)—S. S. Stone (2011)
Spinaway (GI-Sar)—Irish Smoke (2007)
Sunshine Millions Classic (GP)—It’s a Bird (2009)
Sunshine Millions Turf (GP)—Jet Propulsion (2010)
Sweetest Chant (GP)—Kathmanblu (2011)
Tampa Bay (GIII-Tam)—Doubles Partner (2011)
Tap the Admiral (Sar)—Strike Again (2009)
Transylvania (GIII-Kee)—Nordic Truce (2010)
Tropical Park Oaks (Crc)—Dynamic Holiday (2011)
Turf Classic (GI-CD)—Einstein (2009)
Valid Expectations (LS)—Pious Ashley (2009)
Victory Ride (GIII-Sar)—La Traviata (2007)
West Virginia Derby (GIII-Mnr)—Ready Set (2008)
Winning Colors (GIII-CD)—Graeme Six (2008)
Woodbine Mile (GI-WO)—Turallure (2011)
Woodford (GIII-Kee)—Silver Timber (2010)
Highlights
• First winner: Eastern Guardian at Saratoga on Aug. 18, 2005.
• First stakes winner: Cat Quartorza in the Likely Exchange at Turfway Park on
Feb. 11, 2006.
• First Grade I stakes winner: Gorella in the Beverly D at Arlington Park on Aug.
12, 2006.
• Riding titles: Churchill Downs spring: 2008; Keeneland, spring: 2008; Turfway
Park winter-spring: 2006, 2007; Turfway Park fall: 2006; Churchill Downs
spring: 2006, 2007; Churchill Downs fall: 2006; Keeneland spring: 2006 (tie);
2007.
• Realized a sensational year at the age of 26 in 2009 when riding three winners
over the two days of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Santa Anita
to earn the Bill Shoemaker Award as the event’s outstanding jockey. Entering
the weekend with two Breeders’ Cup victories from just 12 previous mounts,
he scored with She Be Wild (Juvenile Fillies), Informed Decision (Filly & Mare
Sprint) and 21-1 longshot Furthest Land (Dirt Mile). The Breeders’ Cup threebagger gave him ten Grade I wins for the year and his Breeders’ Cup mounts’
$2,428,000 in earnings kept him in a tight race with three-time defending champion Garrett Gomez for the national riding title with his highest total ever.
• Captured the $1-million Santa Anita Handicap aboard Einstein in 2009 as well
as Churchill Downs’ Grade I Turf Classic. Gave multiple graded-stakes winner
Einstein what trainer Helen Pitts-Blasi termed an “absolutely beautiful” ride to
become the first East Coast shipper to take the Big ’Cap since Broad Bush in
1987 while defeating fast-closing Champs Elysees by one length. He earlier had
been victorious in another million-dollar event in 2009 while riding It’s a Bird to
a 5 1/4-length romp in the Sunshine Millions Classic at Gulfstream Park.
• In his first full year of riding in 2006, led all jockeys in wins from the first day
of the year, finishing with 403 victories and over $12.5 million in purse earnings
to rank eighth nationally, shattering the former apprentice mark of $7.5 million
set by Jeremy Rose in 2001. All of which landed the transplanted Frenchman an
Eclipse Award as the nation’s leading apprentice. He became a journeyman on
Sept. 25 of the year.
• Despite being an apprentice became the first-call rider for his mentor, trainer
Patrick Biancone, and was still a “bug rider” when gaining his first Grade I victory aboard Gorella in the Beverly D at Arlington Park in August. Seventeen of
the young jockey’s 25 stakes wins in 2006 came aboard horses trained by the
French-born Biancone.
JULIEN LEPAROUX
• Became the fifth rider in Churchill Downs history to win six races on a single
card and first since Pat Day in 1999 when he won six of the day’s first eight races
on a nine-race card on June 27, 2007.
• Gained his first Breeders’ Cup victory on Oct. 26, 2007 when rallying
Nownownow from last at the quarter-pole to capture the inaugural running of
the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf over one-mile at odds of 12-1. Winner
was trained by Francois Parisel, assistant to a suspended Biancone.
• Won his second Breeders’ Cup event one year later at Santa Anita in Oak Tree’s
Filly & Mare Turf competition when rallying Forever Together from eighth entering the stretch to a three-quarter length victory. Earlier in the year, rallied favored
Pure Clan from far back to take Hollywood Park’s Grade I, $750,000 American
Oaks Invitational Stakes by three-quarters of a length.
• First million-dollar win came at Hollywood Park on July 6, 2007 in the Grade II
Cash Call Mile Invitational aboard Lady of Venice for Biancone. Swept past 4-5
favorite Price Tag to win by 1 1/2 lengths despite losing whip in midstretch.
• During his Eclipse Award winning season in 2006, became the first apprentice
jockey to win the riding championship in Keeneland’s 70-year history when he
shared the spring meet title with Rafael Bejarano. Also became the first apprentice
to claim the Churchill Downs spring crown since 1949.
Personal
• Raised around racing in Chantilly, France, where his father Robert, a former
jockey, worked as an assistant trainer before his death in 2003. Began working at
the track at the age of 18 as a groom, hot-walker and occasional exercise rider.
• Arrived in Southern California on Jan. 23, 2003, to be employed as an exercise rider by Patrick Biancone, whom he accompanied to the 2003 and 2004
Breeders’ Cups.
• Launched his riding career at Saratoga in the summer of 2005. The following
year made Kentucky his riding base while often traveling to the East Coast as well
as the West Coast for occasional riding assignments, primarily for Biancone.
• Marie Biancone, an assistant to her father, offered this assessment of the young
rider from France: “Part of his success is his calmness; he doesn’t get excited.
He stays very focused and concentrates on what he does everyday. He suddenly
became famous, but it hasn’t gone to his head.”
COREY NAKATANI
Birthplace: Covina, California
Height: 5’2”
Weight: 113 pounds
Wife: Lisa
Children: Brittany, Matthew, Austin
and Lila
Residence: Bradbury
Distaff (GI)—Jewel Princess (1996-WO)
Juvenile Fillies (GI)—Sweet Catomine (2004-LS); My Miss Aurelia (2011-CD)
Mile (GI)—Silic (1999-GP)
Sprint (GI)—Lit de Justice (1996-WO); Elmhurst (1997-HP); Reraise
(1998-CD); Thor’s Echo (2006-CD)
Turf Sprint (GII)—Regally Ready (2011-CD)
Ack Ack H.—Lethal Instrument (2000)
American Beauty—Shining Energy (2006)
Ancient Title BC (GI-OT)—Elmhurst (GIII-1997)
Anoakia (OT)—Canta’s Crusade (1995); Wind Flow (2003)
Baldwin (GIII)—Sandtrap (1996); Skip to the Stone (2001)
Buena Vista H. (GII)—Media Nox (1997); Tuzla (1999)
California Breeders’ Association (Dmr)—Repo (2009)
California Breeders’ Champion (Fillies)—Always the Lady (2000)
California Cup Distaff Starter H. (OT)—Melrose Wine (1994)
California Cup Distance H. (OT)—Imagine (2007)
California Cup Classic H. (OT)—Charmonnier (1991); Megan's Interco (1996)
California Cup Distaff H. (OT)—Miss L Attack (1993); Bountiful Dreamer (1998)
California Cup Juvenile (OT)—Boating Pleasure (1992); Brite Maneuvers (2005)
California Cup Juvenile Fillies (OT)—Career Collection (1997)
California Cup Matron H. (OT)—Belle's Flag (1996, 1998)
California Cup Mile H. (OT)—Indiahoma (1998); Drake’s Victory (2005);
Epic Power (2006)
California Cup Sprint H. (OT)—Red (1997)
Clement L. Hirsch Turf Championship (GI-OT)—Sandpit (1994); Military
(1999); Fourty Niners Son (2005)
Eddie Read H. (GI-Dmr)—Global Hunter (2009)
El Conejo H. (GIII)—In Summation (2008)
Frank E. Kilroe Mile H. (GI)—Atticus (GII-1997)
Goodwood BC H. (GII-OT)—Lava Man (2006)
Hidden Lake (OT)—Gotdream (2002)
Irish O’Brien—Above Perfection (2002)
Jack Goodman (OT)—Wise Mandate (2007)
Joe Hernandez—Regally Ready (2011)
La Cañada (GII)—Dianes Halo (1995); Belle’s Flag (1997); Scholars Studio (2000)
Lady’s Secret BC H. (GII-OT)—Manistique (1999)
Landaluce (Hol)—Repo (2009)
Las Flores H. (GIII)—Above Perfection (2002); Spring Meadow (2003)
Las Palmas H. (GII-OT)—Sharp Cat (1997); Beautyandthebeast (2006)
Las Virgenes (GI)—Sharp Cat (1997); Sharp Lisa (2005)
Monrovia H. (GIII)—Mamselle Bebette (1994); Desert Lady (1999)
Morvich H. (GIII-OT)—Reality Road (1997)
Norfolk (GII-OT)—Roman Ruler (2004)
Oak Leaf BC (GI-OT)—Serena's Song (1994); Sweet Catomine (GII-2004);
Cash Included (2006)
Oak Tree BC Mile (GII-OT)—Silic (GIII-1999); Aragorn (2006)
Pro or Con H.—Shalini (2003)
Robert B. Lewis (GII)—Great Hunter (2007)
San Felipe (GII)—Odyle (1996); A. P. Warrior (2006)
COREY NAKATANI
San Fernando BC (GII)—Pass Rush (2003)
San Gorgonio H. (GII)—Sixieme Sens (1997)
San Luis Rey H. (GII)—Sandpit (GI-1995)
San Marcos (GII)—Sandpit (1997)
San Miguel—Lasersport (GIII-2001)
San Rafael (GII)—Orville N Wilbur’s (1998); Desert Hero (1999); Notional (2007)
Santa Ana H. (GII)—Wandesta (GI-1995)
Santa Anita H. (GI)—General Challenge (2000); Lava Man (2006, 2007)
Santa Anita Derby (GI)—Colonel John (2008)
Santa Anita Oaks (GI)—Lite Light (1991); Serena's Song (1995); Sharp Cat
(1997); Sweet Catomine (2005); Ariege (2008)
Santa Barbara H. (GII)—Wandesta (GI-1995); Caffe Latte (2000); Sharp Lisa
(2006)
Santa Lucia—Church Camp (2011)
Santa Margarita H. (GI)—Southern Truce (1993); Queens Court Queen (1995);
Jewel Princess (1997); Riboletta (2000)
Santa Maria H. (GI)—Supah Gem (1994); Queens Court Queen (1995);
Jewel Princess (1997); Manistique (2000)
Santa Monica H. (GI)—Honest Lady (2000)
Santa Ynez (GII)—Jump On In (2007)
San Vicente (GII)—Afleetaffair (GIII-1996); Noble Court (2007)
Sen. Ken Maddy H. (GIII-OT)—Belleski (2004)
Sir Beaufort (GIII)—Buckland Manor (2004); Tedo (2005-2nd div.)
Strub (GII)—Siberian Summer (GI-1993); Event Of The Year (1999);
General Challenge (2000); Wooden Phone (2001)
Sunshine Millions Classic—Lava Man (2006)
Sunshine Millions Turf—Lava Man (2007)
Tokyo City Cup H. (GIII)—Dynever (2004); Anshan (GII-1991)
Wilshire H. (GIII-Hol)—Gorgeous Goose (2009)
Yellow Ribbon (GI-OT)—Possibly Perfect (1993)
Affirmed H. (GIII-Hol)—Deputy Commander (1997)
Alysheba (GIII-CD)—Wandering Boy (2007)
Bayakoa H. (GII-Hol)—Manistique (2000)
Beldame (GI-Bel)—Sharp Cat (1998)
Best Pal (GII-Dmr)—Flame Thrower (GIII-2000)
Beverly D (GI-AP)—Possibly Perfect (1995); England’s Legend (2001)
Beverly Hills H. (GII-Hol)—Voodoo Dancer (2003)
Bing Crosby H. (GI-Dmr)—Christmas Boy (GII-1999); In Summation (2007)
Black Tie Affair H. (AP)—Tazz (2011)
Caesars International (Atl)—Sandpit (1995, 1996)
California Juvenile (Hol)—Zillah the Hun (2000)
Canadian H. (WO)—Calista (2002)
Carry Back (GII-CRC)—Caller One (2000)
Champagne (GI-Bel)—The Groom Is Red (1998)
Charles Whittingham Memorial H. (GI-Hol)—Sandpit (1996); Lava Man
(2006)
Chicago H. (GIII-AP)—Devil by Design (2011)
Chula Vista H. (GII-Dmr)—Sharp Cat (1998)
Cinema BC H. (GIII-Hol)—Worldly Ways (1997)
Citation (GI-Hol)—Leger Cat (GII-1992); Southern Wish (GII-1994)
Coaching Club American Oaks (GI-Bel)—Lite Light (1991)
Commonwealth BC (GII-Kee)—Sun King (2006); Silent Name (2007)
Count Fleet H. (GIII-OP)—Reraise (1999)
CTBA (Dmr)—Treadmill (2007)
CTT & TOC H. (Dmr)—Imagine (2007)
Dahlia H. (GII-Hol)—Re Toss (1991); Sixieme Sens (1996); Tuzla (1998)
Del Mar BC Mile (GII-Dmr)—Aragorn (2006)
Del Mar Derby (GII-Dmr)—Rainbow Blues (1996); Val Royal (1999); Inesperado
(2002); Blackdoun (2004)
Del Mar Futurity (GII-Dmr)—Winning Pact (1993)
Del Mar H. (GII-Dmr)—Spring House (2008)
Del Mar Oaks (GI-Dmr)—Sicy D’Alsace (1998); Dessert (2003); Rutherienne
(2007)
Derby Trial (CD)—Patience Game (1999)
Diana H. (GI-Sar)—Voodoo Dancer (2003)
Eddie Read H. (GI-Dmr)—Approach The Bench (1994); Fastness (1996);
Sarafan (2002); Aragorn (2006)
El Cajon (GIII-Dmr)—Perfect Moon (2004); Cindago (2006)
Fair Grounds Oaks (GII-FG)—Mistical Plan (2007)
Fantasy (GII-OP)—Lite Light (1991)
First Lady (GII-Kee)—Vacare (2007)
Flower Bowl Invitational (GI-Bel)—Yashmak (1997)
Forego (GI-Sar)—Jackson Bend (2011)
Frank DeFrancis Memorial Dash (GI-Lrl)—Thor’s Echo (2006)
Fran’s Valentine (Hol)—Shalini (2003)
Frizette (GI-Bel)—Balletto (2004); My Miss Aurelia (2011)
Gallant Bloom H. (GII-Bel)—Indian Blessing (2008)
Garden City BC H. (GI-Bel)—Pharatta (GII-1998); Voodoo Dancer (2001)
Gardenia H. (GIII-ElP)—Dream of Summer (2005)
Generous (GIII-Hol)—Contested Bid (1991); Dubleo (2004); Warning Zone
(2006-1st div.); Comma to the Top (2010)
Golden Gate H. (GIII-GG)—Dushyantor (1998)
Hawthorne H. (GII-Hol)—Borodislew (1996)
Hollywood Derby (GI-Hol)—Itsallgreektome (1990); Explosive Bid (1993)
Hollywood Gold Cup (GI-Hol)—Lava Man (2006, 2007)
Hollywood Futurity (GI-Hol)—Comma to the Top (2010)
Hollywood Oaks (GII-Hol)—Sleep Easy (GI-1995)
Hollywood Starlet (GI-Hol)—Creaking Board (1992); Serena's Song (1994);
Cara Rafaela (1995); Sharp Cat (1996)
Hollywood Turf Cup H. (GI-Hol)—Itsallgreektome (1990); Lazy Lode (1998);
Unusual Suspect (2010)
Hollywood Turf Express H. (GIII-Hol)—Gundaghia (ng-1991-1st div.); El Cielo
(2000)
Inglewood H. (GIII-Hol)—Gothland (1994); Fastness (1996); El Angelo (1997);
Fantastic Fellow (1998)
Jamaica H. (GI-Bel)—Western Aristocrat (2011)
James Marvin (Sar)—Jackson Bend (2011)
Jenny Wiley (GII-Kee)—Astra (GIII-2000)
Jim Beam (GII-TP)—Serena's Song (1995)
John C. Mabee H. (GI-Dmr)—Possibly Perfect (1995); Matiara (1996);
See You Soon (1998); Dancing Edie (2006)
Khaled—Lava Man (2006); Epic Power (2007)
Kentucky Cup Sprint (GIII-TP)—Reraise (GII-1998)
Kentucky Oaks (GI-CD)—Lite Light (1991); Pike Place Dancer (1996)
La Jolla H. (GII-Dmr)—Marine (2001)
Landaluce (Hol)—Notable Career (GIII-2000)
Lazaro S. Barrera Memorial (GII-Hol)—Caller One (GIII-2000)
Los Angeles H. (GIII-Hol)—Caller One (2001); Forest Grove (2005)
Louisiana Derby (GIII-FG)—Heaven Again (1990)
Manhattan H. (GI-Bel)—Manndar (2000); Forbidden Apple (2001)
Matchmaker (GIII-Mth)—Where We Left Off (2004)
Matriarch (GI-Hol)—Countus In (1990); Wandesta (1996)
Melair (Hol)—Yearly Report (2004)
Mervin H. Muniz Jr. Memorial H. (GII-FG)—Sarafan (2002)
Mervyn LeRoy H. (GII-Hol)—Tossofthecoin (1995)
Miesque (GIII-Hol)—Tricky Code (ng-1993); Forty On Line (2001); Paddy’s Daisy
(2004)
Milady BC H. (GII-Hol)—Andujar (2005)
Molson Export Million (WO)—Dramatic Gold (1994)
Native Diver H. (GIII-Hol)—General Challenge (2000); Momentum (2001)
Nearctic (GI-WO)—Regally Ready (2011)
New York H. (GII-Bel)—England’s Legend (2001)
Oak Tree Derby (GII-OT-Hol)—Fantastic Pick (2010)
Oceanside (Dmr)—Sweet Return (2003-1st div.); Blackdoun (2004-2nd div.)
Pacific Classic (GI-Dmr)—Lava Man (2006)
Palomar H. (GIII-Dmr)—Tuzla (1998); Vacare (2008)
Pat O’Brien BC H. (GII-Dmr)—Bruho (ng-1991); D’Hallevant (GIII-1994);
Lit de Justice (GIII-1995); Love That Red (2000)
Pepper Oaks Farm—Brand Name (2004)
Pippin (OP)—Taptam (2010)
Posse Hudson (Bel)—General Maximus (2011)
Princess Rooney H. (GI-Crc)—Mistical Plan (2008)
Prioress (GI-Bel)—Friendly Michelle (2004)
COREY NAKATANI
Railbird (GIII-Hol)—Abby Girl (2000)
Rancho Bernardo H. (GIII-Dmr)—Secret Liaison (2003)
Real Quiet (Hol)—Colonel John (2007); Comma to the Top (2010)
Redondo Beach (Hol)—Singalong (2006)
Regret (GIII-CD)—Caminadora (2010)
Riot in Paris (Hol)—Blue Chagall (2010)
Robert K. Kerlan Memorial H. (Hol)—Comininalittlehot (1996); Swept Overboard
(2001)
Royal Heroine (Hol)—Magic Mission (2003)
Ruffian H. (GI-Bel)—Sharp Cat (1998)
Select (Mth)—Chipshot (2011)
Sen. Ken Maddy H. (GIII-OT)—Dancing Edie (2007)
Senorita (GIII-Hol)—Top Shape (1995)
Shoemaker Mile (GI-Hol)—Itsallgreektome (1990); Fastness (1996);
Silic (1999, 2000); Aragorn (2006); Victor’s Cry (2010)
Smarty Jones (Prx)—Wilburn (2011)
Spiral (GII-TP)—Serena’s Song 1995
Spring Fever (OP)—One Smokin’ Lady (2010)
Sunland Park Oaks (Sun)—Cee’s Irish (2005)
Sunset H. (GII-Hol)—Black Monday (1991); Sandpit (1995)
Super Derby (GII-LaD)—Arch (GI-1998)
Swale (GIII-GP)—D’Wildcat (2001)
Swaps (GII-Hol)—Captain Steve (GI-2000); Rock Hard Ten (2004)
Tiznow (Hol)—Unfurl the Flag (2005)
Triple Bend BC H. (GI-Hol)—Unfurl the Flag (2005)
Turfway BC (GIII-TP)—Biding Time (GII-1998)
Twin Spires Turf Sprint (GIII-CD)—Regally Ready (2011)
Vanity H. (GI-Hol)—Jewel Princess (1996)
Vernon O. Underwood (GIII-Hol)—Tower Full (1997)
WinStar Derby (Sun)—Thor’s Echo (2005)
Warren’s Thoroughbred—The Yellow Sheet (2004); Wendy’s On to Me (2005)
Wickerr H. (Dmr)—Becrux (2006)
Willard L. Proctor Memorial (Hol)—Backbackbackgone (2008)
Will Rogers (GIII-Hol)—Itsallgreektome (1990)
Wilshire H. (GIII-Hol)—Pharma (GII-1996)
Woodford Reserve Turf Classic (GI-CD)—Romarin (GII-1995); Manndar (2000)
Yerba Buena BC H. (GIII-BM)—Chiming (2003)
Highlights
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First win: Oct. 2, 1988, at Caliente aboard Blue King in a dead heat.
Riding titles: Oak Tree: 1994, 1995, 2004, 2006; Santa Anita: 1996,
2000; Hollywood Park: 1995; Del Mar: 1994, 1998, 2004.
3,000th winner: Shakin N Dancin, May 29, 2006 at Hollywood Park.
2,000th winner: Royal Shyness, June 18, 1999 at Hollywood Park.
Among world’s Top Ten jockeys in Breeders’ Cup victories with seven after winning the Sprint for a fourth time in 2006 aboard Thor’s Echo by four lengths at
odds of 15-1 with what trainer Doug O’Neill described as “a marvelous ride.”
Ranked sixth nationally with earnings of over $12.4 million following 2006
Breeders’ Cup.
• After having moved his riding base to Kentucky in the spring of 2010, his business picked up dramatically in 2011 when Nakatani achieved his eighth and
ninth Breeders’ Cup victories with Really Ready in the Grade II Turf Sprint
and with unbeaten My Miss Aurelia in the Grade I Juvenile Fillies at Churchill
Downs. Other Grade I victories in 2011 included My Miss Aurelia in the Frizette
at Belmont, Jackson Bend in the Forego at Saratoga and Regally Ready in the
Nearctic as native of Covina traveled widely including occasional ventures back
to Southern California for riding engagements. In December of 2011, Nakatani
announced plans to return to Southern California where he would ride first-call
for trainer Steve Asmussen during Santa Anita's 2011-12 Winter/Spring Meet.
• His win total in million-dollar races reached 13 in 2006 as he added four, three
aboard Lava Man. Teamed with Lava Man through a remarkable seven-race winning streak that finally terminated when seventh in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
The former claimer began the year with million-dollar wins in the Sunshine
Millions Classic and Santa Anita Handicap, the jockey’s second Big ’Cap victory.
Lava Man and the rider swept the West Coast’s three major races for older horses
when adding the Hollywood Gold Cup and Del Mar’s Pacific Classic, the third
million-dollar win. The steak reached seven with a 2 1/4-length victory in Oak
Tree’s Goodwood Breeders’ Cup Handicap as Nakatani won his fourth Oak Tree
riding title.
• Continued association with Lava Man in 2007 brought record-tying repeats in
the Santa Anita Handicap (joining John Henry and Milwaukee Brew with two
victories) and Hollywood Gold Cup (joining Native Diver with three wins).
Also teamed with Lava Man to win the Sunshine Millions Turf at Santa Anita
before the California-bred gelding faded to sixth in the Pacific Classic to curtail
his chance of repeating in all three of the major California racetracks’ signature
events.
• Notched his first victory in the Santa Anita Derby in 2008 when he rode Colonel
John to a half-length triumph. Also registered his fifth win in the Santa Anita
Oaks that season while scoring with Ariege.
• Gained his first riding titles in four years in 2004 when taking the Oak Tree
and Del Mar championships as Sweet Catomine won the 2-year-old filly crown
to become the seventh champion he had ridden regularly. The list includes
Itsallgreektome, Jewel Princess, Lit de Justice, Possibly Perfect, Reraise and
Wandesta.
• Second Big ’Cap victory in 2006 followed 2000 win aboard General Challenge.
His four Grade I wins at 1999-2000 Santa Anita meet were among 82 victories
that placed him atop the jockeys’ standings.
• When riding Silic to upset victory in 1999 Breeders’ Cup Mile at Gulfstream
Park, it was the fourth consecutive year he had scored at least one victory in
the Breeders’ Cup races. Gained his sixth Breeders’ Cup triumph atop Sweet
Catomine in 2004 Juvenile Fillies at Lone Star Park during a year in which he
ranked seventh nationally with earnings of $12.4 million.
• Registered his third straight win in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint in 1998 when taking
Reraise to a front-running victory after Craig Dollase-trainee had been supplemented to the race for $120,000. Had rallied from last for two previous wins in
the event, both for Evergreen Farm and trainer Jenine Sahadi: Lit de Justice in
1996 and Elmhurst in 1997.
• In addition to Lit de Justice in the 1996 Sprint, scored with Jewel Princess in the
Distaff, a victory he dedicated to his sister, Dawn, who had been a murder victim
the previous month.
• Came within a neck of winning the Turf with his first Breeders’ Cup mount,
longshot Itsallgreektome, in 1990 at Belmont Park. Itsallgreektome would
•
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•
become champion turf horse following wins in the Hollywood Derby and
Hollywood Turf Cup.
Regular rider of Sharp Cat in 1998, winning four consecutive stakes including GI
Beldame and Ruffian handicaps at Belmont. She missed the Breeders’ Cup after
“tying up” the week before the race.
Banner year in 1995 when ranked second nationally with earnings of $14.7 million and tied Gary Stevens for most stakes victories at 52.
Equaled Laffit Pincay Jr.’s record of 19 stakes wins during 1996-97 Santa Anita
meet.
Rode Richard Mandella-trained Atticus to victory in 1997 Arcadia Handicap in
1:31.89, at that time the fastest turf mile in history.
Won fourth Strub Stakes in 2001 aboard Wooden Phone, who upset odds-on
favorite Tiznow.
Won five races at Santa Anita on Feb. 17, 1996.
Scored one of the most memorable wins in Cal Cup history in 1991 when taking
the $250,000 Wells Fargo California Cup Classic aboard Charmonnier to upset
heavily favored Best Pal.
Leading apprentice rider in Southern California in 1989. Led Hollywood Park
apprentices with 24 wins (ninth overall) and Del Mar with 19 wins (eighth),
before tying for first at Oak Tree with 16 wins (eighth overall). Led all apprentices
that year in earnings with $2.5 million.
Personal
• Outstanding wrestler at Northview High School in Covina.
• Introduced to the sport at age 16 by his father, the late Roy Nakatani, a JapaneseAmerican who was born in a World War II internment camp in Colorado. The
elder Nakatani spent time at Santa Anita when it was a relocation camp during
the war.
• Worked at Thoroughbred farm of jockey agent Tony Matos. Broke and galloped
horses for the late Johnny Longden.
• Attended the jockey school in Castaic.
• Began riding at Caliente in fall of 1988. Moved to Southern California circuit at
the end of Santa Anita meet in April, 1989.
COREY NAKATANI
• Sister, Dawn, died of asphyxiation in an apparent homicide on the grounds of her
apartment building in October 1996.
• Considered top golfer among the nation’s jockeys, he took a week off in July
1998 to compete in the $500,000 Isuzu Celebrity Championship in Lake Tahoe,
Nev. Finished 22nd overall, best of 14 new players in the tournament.
MARTIN PEDROZA
Sunny Slope (OT)—Within Reason (2005)
Tokyo City Cup (GIII)—Worth Repeating (2011)
Birthdate: July 20, 1965
Birthplace: Panama City, Panama
Height: 5’4”
Weight: 113 pounds
Single
Children: Brian and Tyler
Residence: Duarte
Ancient Title BC H. (GI-OT)—Saratoga Gambler (GIII-1994)
California Breeders’ Champion (OT)—El Atroz (1993)
Cascapedia H. (OT)—D’or Ruckus (1992); Airistar (1995)
Daytona H.—Cheroot (2008)
Irish O’Brien—La Nez (2011)
Las Flores H. (GIII)—Forest Fealty (1992)
Morvich H. (GII-OT)—Regal Groom (1992)
Oak Tree Derby (GII)—Ultimate Eagle (2011-SA)
San Antonio H. (GII)—Spellbinder (2006)
San Gabriel H. (GII)—Truly a Judge (2005)
San Luis Obispo H. (GII)—Atlando (2006)
San Miguel—Mr. Cooperative (GIII-1994); Omega Code (GIII-2003)
San Pedro—Indian Winter (2011)
San Simeon H. (GIII)—Exemplary Leader (1993); Stoneside (2008)
Santa Anita H. (GI)—Martial Law (1989)
Santa Maria H. (GI)—Star Parade (2006)
Santana Mile H.—Warren's Pepe (2010)
Affirmed H. (GIII-Hol)—Two Step Salsa (2008)
A Gleam H. (GII-Hol)—Forest Fealty (1992)
Aprisa H. (Fpx)—The Morris Monroe (2001)
Bangles & Beads (Fpx)—Posadas (2002); Spring Meadow (2003); Via Veneto
(2010); Chalula One (2011)
Barretts Debutante (Fpx)—Danceoftheflags (2001); Willa B Awesome (2011)
Bayakoa H. (GII-Hol)—Star Parade (2005)
Beau Brummel (Fpx)—Meetyouatthebrig (2000); Run Brother Ron (2007)
Beverly J. Lewis (Fpx)—Fastongrass (2009); Subsidized (2010); California Nectar
(2011)
Black Swan (Fpx)—Amber Hills (2002); Church Editor (2003); Dash Dot Dash
(2008)
Bustles and Bows (Fpx)—Dash Dot Dash (2008)
Carry Back (GII-Crc)—Black Seventeen (2007)
C. B. Afflerbaugh (Fpx)—Gallant Gent (2009); Celestic Night (2010)
CERF H. (Dmr)—Global (2001); Vikki’s Honor (2006)
Cinema BC H. (GIII-Hol)—Genre (2006)
Clement L. Hirsch H. (GII-Dmr)—Vieille Vigne (1991)
Cougar II H. (Dmr)—Atlando (2007)
CTBA (Dmr)—Fire Sale Queen (1999); Amber Hills (2003)
CTBA Marian (Fpx)—Drought Breaker (2004); Gambler's Justice (2008)
Del Mar Debutante (GI-Dmr)—Batroyale (1995)
Derby Trial (Fpx)—Plug Me In (2006)
E. B. Johnston (Fpx)—Eclipse De Luna (2003); Smooth Performer (2009);
U R All That I Am (2010)
El Camino Real Derby (GIII-BM)—Cavonnier (1996)
Foothill (Fpx)—Primer Ruler (2007); Topper Shopper (2008)
Gateway to Glory (Fpx)—The Wizard Rocks (2004)
Generous Portion (Dmr)—Prenuptial (2006)
MARTIN PEDROZA
Haggin (Hol)—Irrelevant (1998)
Harry F. Brubaker (Dmr)—Skyrush (2009)
Hawthorne H. (GIII-Hol)—Star Parade (2006)
Honeymoon BC H. (GII-Hol)—Masake (1991)
Hutcheson (GII-GP)—Valid Wager (1995)
Jim Kostoff (Fpx)—Trevor's Clever (2008)
John C. Mabee H. (GI-Dmr)—Amorama (2005)
La Jolla H. (GII-Dmr)—Medici Code (2007)
Landaluce (Hol)—Garden Gal (1990); Fluttery Danseur (1991);
Zealous Connection (1992); Pinata (2006)
Las Madrinas H. (Fpx)—Tale of a Dream (2004); Brooke’s Halo (2005)
Lazaro S. Barrera Memorial (GIII-Hol)—Sea Cadet (ng-1991); Two Step Salsa
(2008)
Live the Dream (Dmr)—Statement (2004)
Los Angeles H. (GIII-Hol)—Mr. Prime Minister (1983)
Moccasin (Hol)—Ifyoucouldseemenow (1990)
Native Diver H. (GIII-Hol)—Truly a Judge (2004)
NTRA (Hol)—Scandalous (2007)
On Trust H. (Hol)—Cheroot (2006)
Pepper Oaks Farm (Hol)—King of LA (2005)
Phil D. Shepherd (Fpx)—Hal’s Pal (2000); Verkade (2004); Maestro (2007);
Candrea (2011)
Pio Pico (Fpx)—Warren’s Whistle (2002)
Pomona Derby (Fpx)—Ack Ack Heir (1986); Set On Cruise (1994); Semi Lost
(2004); Dover Dere (2005); Sensational Score (2006); Frank the Barber (2007);
Bench the Judge (2010)
Pomona H. (Fpx)—Regal Groom (1992)
Real Good Deal (Dmr)—Chiloquin (2011)
Ron & Jessman Cloud Memorial (Fno)—Omega Code (2002)
San Francisco BC Mile (GII-GG)—Charmo (2006)
Sorority (Mth)—Fluttery Danseur (1991)
Spinaway (GI-Sar)—Miss Iron Smoke (1991)
Texas Mile (GIII-LS)—Bluesthestandard (2003)
Time To Leave (BM)—Hostility (2002)
Triple Bend H. (GI-Hol)—E Z's Gentlemen (2010)
Westchester (Hol)—Sea Twister (1998)
Highlights
• First Grade I win: Santa Anita Handicap aboard longshot Martial Law.
• Riding titles: Hollywood Park: 2005 fall; Orange County Fair: 1983; Fairplex:
1989-tie, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009,
2010, 2011.
• 2,000th career victory: Sandra’s Pride at Santa Anita Park, on Feb. 2, 2001.
• 3,000th career victory: Airplane Attendant, Fairplex Park, on Sept. 5, 2008.
• All-time leading rider at Fairplex Park began the 2008 season there in whirlwind
fashion while winning 17 races during the first three days. Won seven races on
opening day to tie a California record for most victories on a single card (held
jointly by Laffit Pincay Jr. and Victor Espinoza) while gaining the 3,000th victory
of his career. Returned two days later to again win seven races.
• Finished the 2008 Fairplex season by capturing his eleventh riding title at the
five-eighths mile oval and his tenth in a row. His career record total reached 558
victories at Fairplex. He set a single season record with 51 wins during the 17-day
meet in 2004.
• Named to the Fairplex Park Hall of Fame in 2009 while on his way to a twelfth
riding title with 45 wins from 136 mounts and increasing his record career total
at the Pomona bullring to 603 victories.
• Continued his Fairplex dominance in 2010 when riding 45 winners despite
missing two days due to illness. His twelfth straight riding title and 13th overall brought his career victory total at Fairplex to 651 including 69 stakes wins.
Notched his first Grade I stakes victory in four years during Hollywood Park’s
2010 spring/summer meet when scoring with E.Z.’s Gentlemen in the $250,000
Triple Bend Handicap. The triumph on July 10 marked his 1,000th career victory
at Hollywood Park. Pedroza’s 35 victories at Fairplex in 2011 along with another
riding title expanded his win total at the track to 682.
• Leading apprentice at 1983 Santa Anita, Oak Tree and Los Alamitos meetings.
• Star Parade provided his first Grade I win at Santa Anita since the 1989 Santa
Anita Handicap when capturing the $250,000 Santa Maria Handicap on Feb.
11, 2006. Other career Grade I victories include 2005 John C. Mabee Handicap
(Amorama), 1995 Del Mar Debutante (Batroyale) and Saratoga’s 1991 Spinaway
Stakes (Miss Iron Smoke).
• Most stunning career victory came in the 1989 Big ’Cap when he piloted 50-1
shot Martial Law to victory in $1-million event with a clocking of 1:58 4/5, second fastest in race history and surpassed only by Triple Crown winner Affirmed’s
1:58 3/5 in 1979.
• Captured first riding title at a major track in 2005 at the age of 40 when he
topped the standings at Hollywood Park’s autumn meet. “This was just an overwhelming experience for me,” he commented.
• Won six consecutive races at Oak Tree on Oct. 31, 1992, Breeders' Cup Day.
Equaled Santa Anita record set by Laffit Pincay Jr. in 1987.
• Won five races from six mounts on Nov. 4 at 2005 Oak Tree meeting. None of
the five was favored.
• Won stakes at 10 different tracks in 1991.
Personal
• Alumnus of Panama jockey school, where he first sat on a horse at age 17.
Migrated to the U.S. after winning three races in six months.
• Brother, Marcelino, also was a jockey.
• Son, Brian, is a jockey who has been riding at such Eastern tracks as Delaware
Park.
• Missed two weeks of riding in September, 1993, when he suffered a lacerated
liver and internal bleeding in a spill at Fairplex. It was his second serious spill that
year. He broke his left arm in April.
• Cites Sea Cadet as the best horse he has ridden. Ifyoucouldseemenow and
Straight To Bed are his sentimental favorites.
MARTIN PEDROZA
Alonso quinonez
Birthdate: November 13, 1983
Birthplace: Sinaloa, Mexico
Height: 5’ 5”
Weight: 110 pounds
Single
Residence: Arcadia
Cal Cup Mile H. (OT)—Swift Winds (2008)
San Felipe (GII)—Premier Pegasus (2011)
Santa Monica H. (GI)—Intangaroo (2008)
Ballerina (GI-Sar)—Intangaroo (2008)
Bustles and Bows (Fpx)—Fairway Road (2009)
Cougar II H. (Dmr)—Unusual Suspect (2009)
Del Mar Debutante (GI-Dmr)—Tell a Kelly (2010)
El Cajon (Dmr)—Haimish Hy (2010)
Forego (TP)—Buddy Got Even (2007)
Goodwood (GI-OT-Hol)—Richard’s Kid (2010)
Harry F. Brubaker H. (Dmr)—Masterpiece (2007)
Hollywood Prevue (GIII-Hol)—Premier Pegasus (2010)
Humana Distaff (GI-CD)—Intangaroo (2008)
Jack Goodman (OT-Hol)—Premier Pegasus (2010)
Jim Kostoff (Fpx)—Pinal (2010)
Las Madrinas (Fpx)—Briecat (2010)
Phil D. Shepherd (Fpx)—Faisca (2010)
Phoenix Gold Cup H. (TuP)—Peace Chant (2009)
Pio Pico (Fpx)—Kalookan Year (2008)
Pirate’s Bounty (Dmr)—Sterling Outlook (DH-2011)
Pomona Derby (Fpx)—Bingham (2008)
Prairie Bayou (TP)—Sidcup (2006)
Ralph M. Hinds H. (Fpx)—Plug Me In (2007); Cayombe (2010)
Round Table H. (Hol)—Cedar Mountain (2008)
Solana Beach H. (Dmr)—Bran Jammas (2010)
Sun City H. (TuP)—Fleet Caroline (2008)
Valdale (TP)—Our Dancing Babe (2007)
Wilshire H. (GIII-Hol)—Medaglia d’Amour (2010)
Highlights
• A promising apprentice at Kentucky’s Turfway Park in 2007 when he lost the
winter-spring meet riding title to Eclipse Award-winning jockey Julien Leparoux
on the meet’s closing night, the native of Mexico sprung to national attention in
2008 when his fate became intertwined with 4-year-old filly Intangaroo.
• A series of three Grade I wins began at Santa Anita with a nose victory in the
$250,000 Santa Monica Handicap, a result that even stunned trainer Gary
Sherlock, who said, “We were running for third. I would have been happy to hit
the board.” Intangaroo, at odds of 26-1, provided her young rider with his first
graded stakes victory.
• After a third-place finish in Santa Anita’s Grade III Las Flores Handicap, Sherlock
shipped Intangaroo to Churchill Downs where she vigorously rallied to win the
Grade I Humana Distaff Stakes by a head at odds of 14-1 under Quinonez.
• The two registered their third Grade I triumph at Saratoga in the Ballerina Stakes
as the 5-1 third choice to earn an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup Filly &
Mare Sprint. “It was my first time at Saratoga and my first win, so I am excited,”
Quinonez said in the winner’s circle.
ALONSO QUINONEZ
• Intagaroo’s bid for victory in Oak Tree’s Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint was
compromised by being locked down on the inside in a 14-horse field. “I had to
wait and wait and wait,” Quinonez said following the sixth-place finish. “I finally
got to swing out on the turn, and she gave me her run.”
• Gaining a reputation as a competent come-from-behind rider, Quinonez rallied
Tell a Kelly to a 4 1/2-length victory at 9-2 odds in taking the Grade I Del Mar
Debutante in 2010. Skimmed the rail while rallying Richard’s Kid to an $18.60
upset in Oak Tree’s Grade I Goodwood Stakes raced at Hollywood Park in 2010.
Finished seventh in the Del Mar jockeys’ standings prior to a runner-up finish
behind perennial leader Martin Pedroza at Fairplex.
• Joined the Southern California circuit late in 2007 and recorded a hat-trick at
Hollywood Park’s autumn meet on Nov. 11 with three serious longshots: Angel’s
Reward ($27.60), Cajun Monarch ($22.60) and Standing High ($108.20).
• Rode four winners on the Sept. 18, 2009 Fairplex Park racing program including a four-length victory aboard Fairway Road in the $50,000 Bustles and Bows
Stakes.
• Recorded his first career stakes victory aboard Sidcup in the $50,000 Prairie
Bayou Stakes at Turfway Park on Dec. 16, 2006.
Personal
• Two older brothers, Luis and Belen, are active riders in the United States.
• Learned to ride horses on his family’s cattle farm in Sinaloa, Mexico.
• Began walking hots at Oaklawn Park in 2003 before he started galloping horses
at Louisiana Downs. Winless in a handful of mounts at Louisiana Downs, he
supplemented his income by working as a jockey’s valet.
• Rode his first winner at Churchill Downs in November of 2006 for trainer
Morris Nicks, an early benefactor.
christian santiago reyes
Birthdate: September 1, 1989
Birthplace: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Height: 5’ 3”
Weight: 108 pounds
Single
Residence: Pasadena
•
•
•
Santa Anita Stakes Win
California Cup Juvenile (OT)—Bench the Judge (2009)
Barretts Juvenile (Fpx)—Unhitchthetrailor (2011)
California Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (Dmr)—Swiss Wild Cat (2010);
Heleonor Rugby (2011)
Charles Whittingham Memorial H. (GI-Hol)—Acclamation (2010)
Generous Portion (Dmr)—Tribal Rule (2011)
Governor’s Cup H. (Fpx)—Carbonite (2011)
Jim Murray H. (GII-Hol)—Acclamation (2010)
Highlights
•
January of that year. He completed the year with purse earnings of $2.4 million
to lead all apprentices while winning 94 races from 735 mounts.
Registered his first stakes victory and first win at Santa Anita with trainer Doug
O’Neill’s Bench the Judge on Oct. 3, 2009. Scored his first Grade I win aboard
Acclamation in Hollywood Park’s Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap on
June 5, 2010 after having taken the Grade II Jim Murray Memorial Handicap
atop the front-running grass specialist on May 15.
Became the leading apprentice rider at each of Southern California’s race meets
after joining the jockey colony at Hollywood Park late in the 2009 spring/summer meeting. Finished in the Top Ten among all riders at Del Mar, Fairplex Park
(second), Oak Tree at Santa Anita and Hollywood Park’s fall meet during the
year’s remainder.
Registered a four-bagger at Fairplex Park on Sept. 21, 2011 when his four winners included favored Carbonite in the $50,000 Governor’s Cup Handicap
for trainer Mike Mitchell. Won 23 races during 2011 Fairplex meet to rank as
second-leading rider behind perennial leader Martin Pedroza.
Beginning his U.S. career at Gulfstream Park, he won with his second career
mount on April 12, 2009, aboard Chilhulykee for trainer Wesley Ward, who had
been the Eclipse Award-winning apprentice jockey in 1984. On the advice of
Ward, shifted his tack to Churchill Downs where he was victorious 12 times during the track’s spring/summer meet before moving west.
Personal
• Younger brother of jockey Victor Santiago, who was instrumental in eventually
teaming his sibling with West Coast agent Tony Matos. The veteran agent touts
Reyes as the best apprentice he’s handled since Corey Nakatani.
• Spent two years in training at the jockeys’ school in Puerto Rico prior to his
arrival in the U.S. When he was 12, began working at the farm owned by his
grandfather, Efrain, in Puerto Rico where he learned to ride and break horses.
• At the age of 19, the native of Puerto Rico won an Eclipse Award as the nation’s
leading apprentice jockey in 2009 after having arrived in the United States in
CHRISTIAN SANTIAGO REYES
joel rosario
Birthplace: Santo Domingo, Dominican
Republic
Height: 5’ 2”
Weight: 109 pounds
Wife: Brianne
Children: Liam
Residence: Duarte
Breeders' Cup Win
Dirt Mile (GI)—Dakota Phone (2010-CD)
Sprint (GI)—Dancing in Silks (2009-OT)
California Cup Distaff H. (OT)—Lightmyfirebaby (2008)
California Cup Juvenile (OT)—Lucky Primo (2008)
California Cup Matron H. (OT)—Famous Ruby (2008)
California Cup Sprint—Dancing in Silks (2009-OT); Courtside (2011-SA)
Cascapedia (OT)—Kays and Jays (2009)
China Doll—City to City (2010)
Joe Hernandez—Noble Court (2009)
La Brea (GI)—Evita Argentina (2009); Switch (2010)
Lady’s Secret (GI)—Zazu (2011-SA)
Las Flores H. (GIII)—Mona de Momma (2010); Gilded Gem (2011)
Las Virgenes (GI)—Zazu (2011)
Louis R. Rowan—Home Sweet Aspen (2011-SA)
Malibu (GI)—Twirling Candy (2010)
Moscow Burning—Dawn After Dawn (2009)
Norfolk (GI)—Creative Cause (2011-SA)
Paseana H.—St Trinians (2010)
Providencia (GII)—City to City (2010)
Robert B. Lewis (GII)—Anthony’s Cross (2011)
San Antonio H. (GII)—Magnum (2009)
San Carlos H. (GII)—Smiling Tiger (2011)
San Gorgonio H. (GII)—Cat by the Tale (2010)
San Luis Obispo (GII)—Champ Pegasus (2011)
San Pasqual H. (GII) —Zappa (2008)
San Simeon H. (GIII)—Mr Gruff (2009, 2010)
Santa Ana H. (GII)—Belmont Cat (2009)
Santa Anita Oaks (GI)—Crisp (2010)
Santa Maria (GII)—St Trinians (2010); Vision in Gold (2011)
Santa Monica (GI)—Switch (2011)
Santa Ysabel (GIII)—Crisp (2010)
Sir Beaufort (GIII)—Sidney’s Candy (2010)
Strub (GII)—Twirling Candy (2011)
Sir Beaufort (GIII)—Sidney’s Candy (2010)
Strub (GII)—Twirling Candy (2011)
Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf—Tight Precision (2010)
Sunshine Millions Oaks—Beltene (2009)
Uniformity—Irish Art (2011-SA)
Yellow Ribbon (GI)—Dubawi Heights (2011-SA)
Ack Ack H. (GIII-Hol)—Noble Court (2009)
Adoration (Dmr)—St Trinians (2011)
A Gleam H. (GII-Hol)—Evita Argentina (2009)
Alabama (GI-Sar)—Blind Luck (2010)
Bachelor (OP)—Road Ready (2011)
Bay Meadows BC Oaks (BM)—Round Trip Flight (2007)
JOEL ROSARIO
Blue Grass (GI-Kee)—Brilliant Speed (2011)
Blue Norther—Tales in Excess (2010)
B. Thoughtful (Hol)—U R All That I Am (2010); Ultra Blend (2011)
Californian (GII-Hol)—Twirling Candy (2011)
Cat’s Cradle H. (Hol)—U R All That I Am (2009); Ultra Blend (2010)
CERF (Dmr)—Fund Raiser (2010)
Cinema H. (GIII-Hol)—Oil Man (2009)
Cinderella (Hol)—Well Deserved (2009)
Clement L. Hirsch Memorial Turf Championship (OT-Hol)—Champ Pegasus
(2010)
Count Fleet H. (GIII-Op)—Smiling Tiger (2011)
Culver City (Hol)—Dotsy Jean (2010)
Daisycutter H. (Dmr)—Bonifacio (2010)
Delaware Oaks (GII-Del)—Blind Luck (2010)
Del Mar Derby (GII-Dmr)—Rendezvous (2009); Twirling Candy (2010)
Del Mar H. (GII-Dmr—Champ Pegasus (2010)
Del Mar Mile H. (GII-Dmr)—Ferneley (2009); Enriched (2010)
Dream Supreme (CD)—Aegean (2010)
Eddie Read (GI-Dmr)—Acclamation (2011)
Flawlessly (Hol)—Starry Pursuit (2008)
Gamely (GI-Hol)—Dubawi Heights (2011)
Gateway to Glory (Fpx)—Charlie’s Moment (2008)
Graduation (Dmr)—Wolf Tail (2009)
Great Lady M. (Hol)—Givine (2011)
Grey Memo (Hol)—Uncle Don (2010)
Harry F. Brubaker (Dmr)—John Johny Jak (2011)
Hollywood Juvenile Championship (GIII-Hol)—Necessary Evil (2009)
Hollywood Oaks (GII-Hol)—Zazu (2011)
Honeymoon H. (GII-Hol)—Misty Ocean (2008); Well Monied (2009)
Humana Distaff (GI-CD)—Mona de Momma (2010)
Ifyoucouldseemenow (Hol)—She’s Funomenal (2009)
Jim Murray H. (GII-Hol)—Acclamation (2011)
King Glorious (Hol)—High Standards (2008)
La Jolla H. (GII-Dmr)—Sky Cape (2008); Sidney’s Candy (2010)
Luck of the Irish H. (BM)—Deal Choice (2007)
Manhattan Beach (Hol)—Starry Pursuit (2008)
Matriarch (GI-Hol)—Gypsy’s Warning (2010)
Melair (Hol)—Miles Rules (2011)
Miesque (GIII-Hol)—The Mailet (2009)
Nashville (Hol)—Indian Firewater (2010)
Native Diver H. (GIII-Hol)—Slew’s Tizzy (2008)
NTRA (Hol)—Dancing in Silks (2008)
Oceanside (Dmr)—Twirling Candy (2010)
Oklahoma Derby (RP)—Pleasant Prince (2010)
Old Hat (GIII-GP)—Final Mesa (2011)
On Trust H. (Hol)—Bestdressed (2009)
Pat O’Brien (GI-Dmr)—El Brujo (2010)
Pirate’s Bounty (Dmr)—Dancing in Silks (2009)
Playa del Rey (Hol)—Sister Dawn (2010)
Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (GI-Kee)—Harmonious (2010)
Railbird (GIII-Hol)—Million Dollar Run (2008); May Day Rose (2011)
River City H. (GIII-CD)—Battle of Hastings (2010)
Robert K. Kerlan Memorial H. (Hol)—Delta Storm (2009); My Summer Slew
(2010)
Round Table H. (GIII-Hol)—Obrigado (2009)
San Diego H. (GII-Dmr)—Dakota Phone (2010)
Solana Beach H. (Dmr)—You Lift Me Up (2009)
Sorrento (GIII-Dmr)—Mighty Caroline (2011)
Sunset H. (GIII-Hol)—Marlang (2010)
Swaps (GII-Hol)—Skipshot (2010)
Tiznow (Hol)—Amazombie (2011)
Torrey Pines (Dmr)—Third Dawn (2009); Switch (2010)
Triple Bend H. (GI-Hol)—Smiling Tiger (2011)
West Virginia Governor’s (Mnr)—Demarcation (2010)
Will Rogers (GIII-Hol)—Leroy’s Dynameaux (2010)
Wilshire H. (GIII-Hol)—Dubawi Heights (2011)
Yerba Buena (GG)—Mabadi (2007)
Highlights
• Riding titles: Santa Anita (2010-2011); Hollywood Park (spring/summer 2009,
2010, 2011; fall, 2009, 2010); Del Mar (2009, 2010, 2011).
• 1,000th winner: Coo Cachoo on Feb. 17, 2011, at Santa Anita.
• His first Grade I victory on Nov. 7, 2009, at Santa Anita was monumental as it
came on the second day of Oak Tree’s Breeders’ Cup World Championships when
the 24-year-old rode 25-1 shot Dancing in Silks to a stirring nose victory over
rival Rafael Bejarano aboard Crown of Thorns in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup
Sprint. It was his 23rd stakes win of the year and secured him a spot among the
nation’s Top Ten riders for the year.
• Roared back in 2010 to move up to fourth in the national standings after capturing his second Breeders’ Cup event when rallying 37-1 shot Dakota Phone from
12th and last in the Grade I, $1 million Dirt Mile at Churchill Downs, finished
second in four other Breeders’ Cup races (Filly & Mare Sprint, Switch; Ladies’
Classic, Blind Luck; Sprint, Hamazing Destiny, and Turf, Champ Pegasus) and
won Grade I stakes races at six different racetracks. Included were his first stakes
wins of any kind at Churchill Downs, Keeneland and Saratoga. • Not only did he win his first Santa Anita riding title in 2011 while ending a
three-year stranglehold by Rafael Bejarano, but he took the championships at
Hollywood Park’s spring/summer meet and at Del Mar as well, all in dramatic
fashion. He overcame a 12-win lead by Bejarano at Santa Anita to win 89 races,
eight more than Bejarano. He gained his third successive spring/summer title at
Hollywood Park for five straight at that track including two autumn meets. He
became the first jockey in 57 years to win a third straight championship at Del
Mar. The legendary Bill Shoemaker had won his sixth straight in 1954. Rosario
overcame a slow start to overhaul Joe Talamo with a burst in the closing days and
win, 49-42.
• Severed Rafael Bejarano’s record streak of six straight Southern California riding
titles at Hollywood Park’s Spring/Summer meet in 2009 while riding 79 winners
during the 55-day session, 10 more than Bejarano. The Dominican Republic
native’s first riding championship was immediately succeeded by a runaway at
Del Mar where he rode a meet-leading 55 winners, 23 more than runner-up Tyler
Baze. He would lose the Oak Tree title to Bejarano by a single victory, 31-30,
while plagued by the flu near the meet’s close.
• Added riding titles at Hollywood Park’s 2009 fall (37 wins) and 2010 spring/
summer (94) meets and at Del Mar (57) in 2010. At the age of 24, he equaled
a Hollywood Park record shared by three Hall of Famers (Bill Shoemaker, Laffit
Pincay Jr. and Kent Desormeaux) with a six-win day on Dec. 11, 2009. He
notched four victories on the final day of Del Mar’s 2010 meet to nudge Bejarano
by a single win for that riding title. Meanwhile, his Grade I victories began to pile
up. They included the La Brea (Evita Argentina) and Santa Anita Oaks (Crisp) at
Santa Anita’s 2009-10 meet, Saratoga’s Alabama Stakes (Blind Luck), the Humana
Distaff at Churchill Downs (Mona de Momma) and Del Mar’s Pat O’Brien (El
Brujo).
• Strongly impacted Southern California racing circuit during first full season in
2008 when finished fourth in the Santa Anita standings (49 wins), second at
Hollywood Park’s Spring/Summer meet (45), second at Del Mar (36), and third
at Santa Anita’s Oak Tree meet (17).
• Added a second-place finish at Hollywood Park’s 2008 fall meet riding competition during which he registered a five-bagger on Dec. 6 including a $16.40 upset
in the Grade III Native Diver Handicap aboard Slew’s Tizzy. He finished second
on two other mounts. “I was very surprised,” said his agent, Hollywood Park
track announcer Vic Stauffer. “Only one was the favorite.”
• Achieved first graded stakes victory at Santa Anita on Jan. 12, 2008 aboard 13-1
shot Zappa in the Grade II, $150,000 San Pasqual Handicap for trainer John
Sadler, who had saddled Rosario’s first Southern California winner, Only One
Way, on June 21, 2007 at Hollywood Park.
• Gained his second Grade II victory atop 9-2 shot in Hollywood Park’s
Honeymoon Handicap before adding another on Sky Cape at 13-1 in the La
Jolla Handicap at Del Mar.
• Registered three riding victories aboard non-favorites on Oak Tree’s 18th
California Cup Day in 2008 when scoring with Famous Ruby at 16-1 in the
Matron, Lucky Primo at 6-1 in the Sprint, and Lightmyfirebaby at 3-1 in the
Distaff.
• Prior to making Southern California his base, rode in Northern California. He
was aboard five winners at Bay Meadows on April 14, 2007, including Round
Trip Flight in the Bay Meadows Breeders’ Cup Oaks.
JOEL ROSARIO
• During his first year of riding in the United States, finished second to Hall of
Famer Russell Baze in the standings at Golden Gate’s 2007 winter meet and at
Bay Meadows where he won 54 races.
Personal
• Grew up on a ranch outside of Santo Domingo where horses were the main
source of transportation.
• Says he has 20 brothers and sisters. “I didn’t know anything about racing,” he
said, “until one of my brothers, who liked to gamble, took me to the track. He
thought I could ride because I was small and a good athlete.”
• After receiving his jockey’s license at the age of 14, spent the next six months
learning his trade at a jockeys’ school. Began riding at V Centenario racetrack
where he rode his first winner in July of 2000.
• Won four riding titles in the Dominican Republic before former trainer and
bloodstock agent Herbert Soto, a Dominican, arranged for him to come to
California.
Birthdate: Aug. 10, 1965
Birthplace: Roswell, New Mexico
Height: 5'3"
Weight: 109 pounds
Residence: Sierra Madre
Triple Crown Wins
Kentucky Derby (GI-CD)—Giacomo (2005)
Preakness (GI-Pim)—Prairie Bayou (1993)
Belmont (GI-Bel)—Drosselmeyer (2010)
Breeders' Cup Wins
Classic (GI)—Skip Away (1997-Hol); Zenyatta (2009-OT); Drosselmeyer
(2011-CD)
Juvenile (GI)—Unbridled's Song (1995-Bel); Vindication (2002-AP)
Juvenile Fillies (GI)—Stardom Bound (2008-OT)
Ladies’ Classic/Distaff (GI)—Inside information (1995-Bel); Ajina (1997-Hol);
Azeri (2002-AP); Zenyatta (2008-OT)
Mile (GI)—Lure (1992-GP; 1993-SA)
Sprint (GI)—Cherokee Run (1994-CD); Amazombie (2011-CD)
Turf (GI)—Tikkanen (1994-CD)
American Beauty H.—Diamond Diva (2008)
Ancient Title (GI)—Amazombie (2011-SA)
Anoakia (OT)—Puxa Saco (2002); Crisis of Spirit (2009)
Blue Norther—Mambo Slew (2004)
California Cup Juvenile Fillies (OT)—La Nez (2009)
California Cup Matron H. (OT)—Dream of Summer (2004)
Carleton F. Burke H. (GIII-OT)—Cagney (2001); Runaway Dancer (2003)
Cascapedia (OT)—Foxy Danseur (2008); Foxy Danseur (2008)
Cavonnier (OT)—Race for Glory (2003)
Clement Hirsch Turf Championship (GI-OT)—The Tin Man (2002)
Crystal Water H.—Hugh Hefner (2002)
El Conejo H. (GIII)—Snow Ridge (2002)
El Encino (GII)—Victory Encounter (2004)
Frank E. Kilroe Mile H. (GI)—Proviso (2010)
Goodwood (GI-OT)—Tiago (2007)
Harold C. Ramser Sr. H. (GIII-OT)—Tasha’s Miracle (2008)
Henry P. Russell H. (OT)—Delta Form (2001)
Irish O'Brien—Jetinto Houston (2003); Bear Fan (2004)
Kalookan Queen H.—Free Flying Soul (2010); Mother Ruth (2011)
La Brea (GI)—Alphabet Kisses (2004); Dearest Trickski (2007)
Lady's Secret (GI-OT)—Azeri (GII-2002); Zenyatta (2008, 2009)
La Habra—Luvah Girl (2003); Pasar Silbano (2009)
Las Virgenes (GI)—Stardom Bound (2009)
Louis R. Rowan (OT)—Free Flying Soul (2009)
Malibu (GI)—M One Rifle (2009)
Monrovia H. (GIII)—Paga (2001)
Oak Leaf (GI-OT)—Composure (GII-2002); Come and Catch Me (2007);
Stardom Bound (2008)
Oak Tree Derby (GII-OT)—Daytona (2007)
Palos Verdes H. (GII)—Snow Ridge (2002); Bluesthestandard (2004); Euroears
(2011)
Pasadena—Make Music For Me (2010)
HALL OF FAME - 2003
Mike smith
MIKE SMITH
A Gleam H. (GII-Hol)—Dream of Summer (2004); Dearest Trickski (2008)
Acorn (GI-Bel)—Sky Beauty (1993); Inside Information (1994);
Star de Lady Ann (1996); Jersey Girl (1998)
Adirondack (GII-Sar)—Fat Fleet Feet (1995)
Alabama (GI-Sar)—Sky Beauty (1993); Heavenly Prize (1994); Pretty Discreet
(1995); Jostle (2000)
American H. (GII-Hol)—The Tin Man (2002)
Apple Blossom H. (GI-OP)—Nine Keys (1994); Azeri (2002); Azeri (2004);
Zenyatta (2008, 2010)
Arkansas Derby (GII-OP)—Gayego (2008)
Ashland (GI-Kee)—Inside Information (1994); Glitter Woman (1997)
Audrey Skirball-Kenis (Hol)—You Lift Me Up (2008)
Ballerina (GI-Sar)—Queena (1991); Furlough (1999)
Beldame (GI-Bel)—Sharp Dance (1991)
Ben Ali (GIII-Kee)—Pistols and Roses (1994)
Bernard Baruch H. (GII-Sar)—Fourstars Allstar (1992); Lure (1994)
Black-Eyed Susan (GII-Pim)—Mesabi Maiden (1996)
Bonnie Miss (GII-GP)—Glitter Woman (1997)
Boyd Gaming's Delta Princess (DeD)—Salty Romance (2003)
Brooklyn H. (GII-Bel)-Devil His Due (1994); Wekiva Springs (1996)
Broward H. (GII-GP)—Horse Chestnut (2000)
Caesar's International H. (AP)—Lure (1994)
Californian (GII-Hol)—Concern (GI-1995)
CERF H. (Dmr)—Coco Belle (2008)
Cinderella—Souvenir Gift (2004)
Clement L. Hirsch H. (GI-Dmr)—Azeri (GII-2002, GII-2003); Zenyatta
(GII-2008, 2009, 2010)
Coaching Club American Oaks (GI-Bel)—Sky Beauty (1993); Ajina (1997);
Jostle (2000)
Coolmore Lexington (GII-Kee)—Parade Ground (1998); Proud Citizen (2002)
Cotillion BC H. (GII-Pha)—Jostle (2000)
Count Fleet H. (GIII-OP)—Custom for Carlos (2010)
Count Fleet Sprint H. (GIII-Bel)—Prairie Bayou (1993)
Cowdin (Bel)—Salt Lake (1991); Coronado's Quest (1998)
CTBA (Dmr)—Dirty Diana (2003)
CTT and Thoroughbred Owners of California H. (Dmr)-Black Mamba (2009)
Dahlia H. (GII-Hol)—Katdogawn (2003)
Daisycutter H. (Dmr)—Queen Ofthe Catsle (2009)
Del Mar BC H. (GII-Dmr)—Congaree (2002)
Del Mar Debutante (GI-Dmr)—Stardom Bound (2008)
Del Mar Derby (GII-Dmr)—Madeo (2008)
Del Mar Oaks (GI-Dmr)—Singhalese (2005)
Demoiselle (GII-Aqu)—Clark Street (1997)
Desert Stormer H. (Hol)—Puxa Seco (2005); Coco Belle (2009); Free Flying Soul
(2010)
HALL OF FAME - 2003
Paseana H.—Monashee (2008)
Potrero Grande H. (GII)—Bluesthestandard (2003); Amazombie (2011)
Providencia (GIII)—Star Vega (2003)
San Carlos H. (GII)—Snow Ridge (2002)
San Fernando (GII)—Indian Firewater (2011)
San Gabriel H. (GII)—Daytona (2007)
San Juan Capistrano H. (GII)—Red Bishop (GI-1995)
San Luis Obispo H. (GII)—The Tin Man (2003)
San Miguel—Going Wild (2005)
San Pasqual H. (GII)—Neko Bay (2010)
San Pedro—High Standards (2005); Gayego (2008)
San Simeon H. (GIII)—Regally Ready (2011)
Santa Ana H. (GII)—Noches de Rosa (2003); Katdogawn (2004)
Santa Anita Derby (GI)—Tiago (2007)
Santa Anita Oaks (GI)—Stardom Bound (2009)
Santa Margarita Invitational H. (GI)—Azeri (2002); Adoration (2004);
Zenyatta (2010)
Santa Paula (GIII)—Bella Belucci (2002)
Sen. Ken Maddy H. (GIII-OT)—Queen of the Catsle (2008)
Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Sprint—Dearest Trickski (2008)
Sunshine Millions Sprint—Amazombie (2011)
Thunder Road H.—Matto Mondo (2009)
Hollywood Futurity (GI-Hol)—Lion Heart (2003)
Hollywood Gold Cup (GI-Hol)—Total Impact (2004)
Hollywood Prevue (GIII-Hol)—Lion Heart (2003)
Honeybee (GIII-OP)—Joyful Victory (2011)
Honey Bee (Med)—Critical Eye (2000)
Hopeful (GI-Bel)—Salt Lake (1991)
I’m Smokin (Dmr)—Ruler of Dubai (2011)
Inglewood H. (GIII-Hol)—Madeo (2009); Gallant Son (2010)
Irish 2000 Guineas (GI-The Curragh)—Fourstar Allstar (1991)
Jim Beam (GII-TP)—Roar (1996)
Jim Dandy (GII-Sar)—Chief Honcho (1990); Awesome Again (1997)
Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (GI-Bel)—Apple Tree (1993); Val's Prince (1997)
Just a Game (GI-Bel)—Proviso (2010)
Kentucky Cup Juvenile (GIII-TP) -Vindication (2002)
Kentucky Cup Juvenile Fillies (GIII-TP)—Atlantic Ocean (2002)
Kentucky Cup Sprint (GIII-TP)—Appealing Skier (GII-1996)
King's Bishop (GI-Sar)—Take Me Out (GIII-1991); Salt Lake (GIII-1992);
Mi Cielo (GIII-1993)
Knickerbocker H. (GIII-Aqu)—River Majesty (1993); Diplomatic Jet (1995);
Mr. Bluebird (1996); Sir Cat (1997)
Lady’s Secret (GI-OT-Hol)—Zenyatta (2010)
Landaluce (Hol)—Souvenir Gift (2004)
Lazaro S. Barrera Memorial (GIII-Hol)—Blazonry (2003)
Long Island H. (GIII-Aqu)—Villandry (GII-1992); Trampoli (GII-1993)
Manhattan H. (GI-Bel)—Phantom Breeze (GII-1990)
Manhattan Beach (Hol)—Katdogawn (2003)
Maryland BC Sprint H. (GIII-Pim)—Snow Ridge (2002)
Matt Winn (CD)—Razor (2005)
Meadowlands BC H. (GII-Med)—Conveyer (GI-1994)
Mervyn Leroy H. (GII-Hol)—Total Impact (2003)
Metropolitan H. (GI-Bel)—Holy Bull (1994)
Miesque (GIII-Hol)—Mambo Slew (ng-2003); Sea Chanter (2007)
Milady H. (GII-Hol)—Azeri (2002, 2003), Zenyatta (2008, 2009)
Moccasin (Hol)—Ayanna (2001)
HALL OF FAME - 2003
Diana (GI-Sar)—Proviso (2010)
Diane (Bel)—Electric Society (1996)
Dream Supreme (CD)—Salty Strike (2011)
Dwyer (GII-Bel)—Holy Bull (1994) Coronado's Quest (1998)
El Camino Real Derby (GIII-GG)—Ocean Terrace (2003)
E. P. Taylor (GI-WO)—Insight (1999)
Fair Grounds H. (GIII-FG)—Daytona (2008)
Fall Highweight H. (Aqu)—Salt Lake (1992)
Fantasy (GII-OP)—Joyful Victory (2011)
First Lady (GI-Kee)—Spook Express (GIII-2001); Proviso (2010)
Flawlessly (Hol)—Passified (2007)
Fleet Treat (Dmr)—Bear Fan (2002); Excessive Blend (2009)
Florida Derby (GI-GP)—Holy Bull (1994); Thunder Gulch (1995);
Unbridled's Song (1996)
Forego H. (GI-Sar)—Birdonthewire (GII-1993)
Forward Gal (GII-GP)—Glitter Woman (1997)
Fountain of Youth (GII-GP)—Thunder Gulch (GI-1995)
Frizette (GI-Bel)—Heavenly Prize (1993)
Futurity (GII-Bel)—Holy Bull (GI-1993)
Gamely BC (GI-Hol)—Noches De Rosa (2004)
Gazelle (GI-Bel)—Heavenly Prize (1994); Critical Eye (2000)
Genuine Risk H. (GII-Bel)—Exotic Wood (1996)
Go For Wand H. (GI-Sar)—Sky Beauty (1994); Aldiza (1998)
Gotham (GIII-Bel)—Thirty Six Red (GII-1990); Lure (GII-1992);
Talkin Man (GII-1995)
Gourmet Girl (Hol)—Bear Fan (2002)
Graduation (Dmr)—Georgie Boy (2007)
Green Flash H. (Dmr)—California Flag (2010)
Gulfstream Park BC H. (GII-GP)—Celtic Arms (GI-1996)
Harry Henson (Hol)—Line Rider (2002)
Harvey Arneault Memorial (Mnr)—Ravalo (2009)
Haskell Invitational H. (GI-Mth)—Holy Bull (1994); Coronado's Quest (1998)
Hempstead H. (Bel)—A Wild Ride (1991); Sky Beauty (1994)
Hollywood Derby (GI-Hol)—Daytona (2007)
MIKE SMITH
San Francisco Mile (GII-GG)—Chinese Dragon (2007)
Schuylerville (GIII-Sar)—Changing Ways (GII-1994)
Senorita (GIII-Hol)—Cozi Rosie (2010)
Sharp Cat (Hol)—Foxy Danseur (2007)
Sheepshead Bay H. (GII-Bel)—Trampoli (GIII-1993); Soaring Softly (1999);
Moscow Burning (2004)
Shoemaker Mile (GI-Hol)—Thorn Song (2009)
Shuvee H. (GI-Bel)—A Wild Ride (1991); Sky Beauty (1994)
Silverbulletday (GIII-GP)—Glitter Woman (1997)
Singspiel (GIII-WO)—Spice Route (2010)
Smile Sprint (GII-Crc)—Orientate (ng-2002); Woke Up Dreamin (2005)
Snow Chief (Hol)—Alphie’s Bet (2010)
Spinster (GI-Bel)—Inside Information (1995)
Stravinsky (Kee)—Tara's Touch (2005)
Suburban H. (GI-Bel)—Devil His Due (1994); Wekiva Springs (1996)
Sunland Derby (Sun)—Kelly Leak (2009)
Sunset H. (GII-Hol)—Warning Zone (2008)
Swaps BC (GII-Hol)—Came Home (2002); Tiago (2007)
Sword Dancer H. (GI-Bel)—Broadway Dancer (1996
Test (GI-Bel)—Jersey Girl (1998)
Torrey Pines (Dmr)—Tamara Princess (2001); Victory Encounter (2003)
Toyota Blue Grass—(GI-Kee)-Prairie Bayou (1993); Holy Bull (1994)
Travers (GI-Sar)—Holy Bull (1994); Coronado's Quest (1998)
True North H. (GII-Bel)—Woke Up Dreamin (2005)
Vanity H. (GI-Hol)—Azeri (2002); Zenyatta (2008, 2009, 2010)
Vineland (Bel)—Soaring Softly (1999)
Vosburgh (GI-Bel)—Birdonthewire (1993)
Warren’s Thoroughbred (Hol)—Sangay (2008)
West Virginia Legislature Chairman’s Cup (Mnr)—Piratesonthelake (2009)
Whitney H. (GI-Sar)—Brunswick (1993)
Winter (Hol)—Free Flying Soul (2009)
Wood Memorial (GI-Aqu)—Thirty Six Red (1990); Devil His Due (1992);
Unbridled's Song (1996)
Woodward (GI-Bel)—Holy Bull (1994)
HALL OF FAME - 2003
Molly Pitcher BC (GII-Mth)—Inside Information (1995)
Monmouth Park BC Oaks (GIII-Mth)—Inside Information (GII-1995)
Mother Goose (GI-Bel)—Sky Beauty (1993); Ajina (1997); Jersey Girl (1998)
Mountaineer Juvenile Fillies (Mnr)—For Royalty (2009)
Nassau County BC H. (GII-Bel)—Jersey Girl (GIII-1998)
National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame (GII-Sar)—Paradise Creek (1992);
Flitch (1995)
New Orleans H. (GII-FG)—Concern (GIII-1995)
New York BC H. (GII-Bel)—Soaring Softly (1999)
Norfolk (GI-OT-Hol)—Jaycito (2010)
Oaklawn H. (GII-OP)—Ask Me No Secrets (GI-2002); Tiago (2008)
Oceanside (Dmr)—Mr. Commons (2011)
Ontario Derby (WO)—Derby Kitten (2011)
Osunitas (Dmr)—Paga (2001)
Pacific Classic (GI-Dmr)—Came Home (2002); Richard’s Kid (2009, 2010)
Palomar H. (GII-Dmr)—Gotta Have Her (2010)
Pan American H. (GIII-GP)—Celtic Arms (GII-1996)
Phoenix BC (GIII-Kee)—Momsfurrari (1989)
Piedra Foundation (Dmr)—Netherland (2002)
Princess Rooney H. (GI-Hol)—Sassy Image (2011)
Queen's Plate (GI-WO)—Awesome Again (1997)
Rancho Bernardo H. (GIII-Dmr)—Dream of Summer (2004); Dearest Trickski
(2008)
Real Good Deal (Dmr)—M One Rifle (2009)
Redondo Beach (Hol)—Passified (2008)
Red Smith H. (GII-Aqu)—Mr. Bluebird (1996)
Remsen (GII-Aqu)—Coronado's Quest (1997)
Riva Ridge (GII-Bel)—Coronado's Quest (1998)
River Cities (LaD)—She’s All In (2011)
Robert K. Kerlan Memorial H. (Hol)—Gallant Son (2011)
Ruffian H. (GI-Bel)—Versailles Treaty (1992); Sky Beauty (1994);
Inside Information (1995)
San Diego H. (GII-Dmr)—Giacomo (2006)
San Clemente H. (GII-Dmr)—Passified (2007)
• Hall of Fame: Inducted on Aug. 4, 2003 during ceremony at Saratoga Springs.
Cited fellow jockeys Eddie Maple and Randy Romero for providing inspiration.
• Eclipse Award winner: 1993 and 1994.
• Riding titles: Aqueduct (1991 spring; 1991 fall; 1992 winter; 1992 fall; 1993
winter); Belmont (1991 spring; 1991 fall; 1992 spring; 1993 spring; 1993 fall;
1994 fall; 1996 spring) Saratoga (1991-93); Gulfstream (1994); Keeneland (1994
spring).
• 4,000th winner: Lift Off on June 17, 2001 at Hollywood Park.
• 3,000th winner: Old Chapel on Oct. 2, 1995 at Belmont Park.
• Joined Jerry Bailey as the leading rider in Breeders’ Cup history in 2011
when recording his 15th victory in racing’s championship event while rallying Drosselmeyer to a 14-1 upset in the Classic following a win aboard 7-1
Amazombie in the Sprint for Southern California-based trainer Bill Spawr. His
triumph in the Classic stirred a bittersweet reaction after believing it was his
jockey error in the Classic one year before when he and Zenyatta were beaten by
less than a head in the storybook filly’s final race. “Last year I sat here just devastated,” Smith said following the 2011 Classic. “I thought my life was over.”
His ride aboard Drosselmeyer in the Classic was hailed as nothing short of classic.
“That’s one that will always hurt,” he said in remembering the only blemish in
Zenyatta’s 20-race career. “This sure helps. It really does.”
• The Hall of Fame jockey, whose skill, reverence and public relations contributions
became major ingredients in the legend that Zenyatta would become, guided the
undefeated 6-year-old mare to a 19th straight win and an unprecedented third
in Oak Tree’s Grade I Lady’s Secret Stakes at Hollywood Park on Oct. 2, 2010 to
match the unbeaten streak of New Mexico’s provincial Peppers Pride before perfection finally escaped the pair in their quest for the zenith with a repeat victory
in the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Nov. 6 at Churchill Downs. In what some believe
might have been Zenyatta’s finest effort, Smith rallied her from 16 lengths off the
pace only to fall a head short of overtaking Blame and applying the perfect ending to a saga that had transcended the sport in catching the public’s fancy.
• Smith delivered perfectly timed rides in five Grade I stakes victories in 2010
after Zenyatta’s projected retirement was put on hold for another year following
the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic. Although the rider and horse became so closely
entwined, Smith’s accomplishments in 2010 reached well beyond the storybook mare whose career earnings would reach $7.3 million. He posted a 13-1
upset in the third leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes, while handling
Drosselmeyer for trainer Bill Mott. There were four Grade I triumphs aboard
Proviso. He won Del Mar’s signature race, the $1-million Pacific Classic, for a
third time and the second year in a row aboard Richard’s Kid for trainer Bob
Baffert.
• Extended his extraordinary run aboard Zenyatta with a breathtaking last-to-first
triumph over males in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita that extended the 5-year-old mare’s perfect streak to 14 races and saw her become the first
horse in the 26-year history of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships to win
two different Breeders’ Cup races after having been victorious in the 2008 Ladies’
Classic, also at Santa Anita. “She’s incredible,” Smith said after accompanying
Zenyatta to a winner’s circle for the 11th time. “She’s sent from heaven,” he said.
“She’s God’s horse.” No female had ever defeated males in the Classic. Smith’s storybook journey in the 2009 Classic accounted for his 13th Breeders’ Cup victory
and moved him into sole possession of second place on the event’s all-time win
list, two victories behind retired Jerry Bailey.
• The Classic victory was his fifth atop Zenyatta in 2009, a progression that
began with Hollywood Park’s Grade II Milady Handicap and was followed by
Hollywood Park’s Grade I Vanity Handicap, the Grade I Clement L. Hirsch at
Del Mar, and Oak Tree’s Grade I Lady’s Secret. Zenyatta needed a rousing final
quarter, a 22.49 clocking, to win the Hirsch by a desperate head, the closest scare
of her dynamic career. Among those she vanquished in the Classic were eight
Grade I winners including Richard’s Kid, whom Smith had ridden to victory two
months earlier in Del Mar’s $1 million Pacific Classic.
• Guided champion 4-year-old filly Zenyatta to prominence in 2008 with six
successive Grade I or II triumphs capped by her dazzling victory in Oak Tree’s
Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (formerly the Distaff ) for what became Smith’s 12th
Breeders’ Cup riding win, which made him the third leading rider in the history
of racing’s showcase.
HALL OF FAME - 2003
Highlights
MIKE SMITH
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Goodwood and with Cry and Catch Me in the Oak Leaf Stakes. Took the Grade
II Oak Tree Derby with Daytona.
Ranked first in the nation in purse money earned in1993 with $14,024,815.
Regular rider of 2002 Horse of the Year Azeri and 1994 Horse of the Year Holy
Bull.
Won 20 Grade I races in 1994, the same year he set a record with 66 stakes victories, surpassed in 2003 by Jerry Bailey.
Rode Prairie Bayou to victory in 1993 Preakness Stakes.
Rode six winners at Aqueduct, Jan. 13, 1992 and Jan. 30, 1992.
One of five riders to win five races in one day at Saratoga, on Aug. 31, 1996.
New York's leading jockey for three consecutive years from 1991 to '93, with
330, 297 and 313 wins, respectively.
Led New York jockeys in stakes wins in 1993 with 42 and in 1992 with 29.
Swept Belmont Park's Triple Tiara Series for 3-year-old fillies (Acorn, Mother
Goose and Coaching Club American Oaks) aboard Sky Beauty in 1993.
Only American-based jockey to ever win a European classic, guiding Fourstars
Allstar to victory in 1991 Irish 2000 Guineas.
Won 1993 ESPY Award for outstanding jockey.
New York Turf Writers Association's award for outstanding jockey three consecutive years, 1991-93.
Mike Venezia Award winner in 1994.
Personal
HALL OF FAME - 2003
• Assumed the mount on Zenyatta for Jerry and Ann Moss after the imposing filly
trained by John Shirreffs had won her first three starts. Following her fifth win
for Smith in Oak Tree’s Grade I Lady’s Secret Stakes, he said, “I just can’t describe
her. She leaves me speechless. She just seems to be sent from heaven. I’m really
starting to think she might be the best horse I’ve ever ridden.” And after the
Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic: “I found a new word for her. It’s ‘bottomless.’ I
seem never to get close to the bottom.”
• With win aboard Stardom Bound in 2008 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies to
accompany Zenyatta’s victory, it marked the fifth time he had ridden two winners on separate Breeders’ Cup cards. The others: Azeri (Distaff ) and Vindication
(Juvenile) in 2002 at Arlington Park; Skip Away (Classic) and Ajina (Distaff ) in
1997 at Hollywood Park; Unbridled’s Song (Juvenile) and Inside Information
(Distaff ) in 1995 at Belmont, and Tikkanen (Turf ) and Cherokee Run (Sprint)
in 1994 at Churchill Downs.
• Tuned up for 2008 Juvenile Fillies victory by riding Stardom Bound to a comefrom-behind tally by 3 1/2 lengths in Oak Tree’s Grade I Oak Leaf Stakes. “She’s
my Baby Zenyatta,” Smith commented afterward. “I knew she was capable
today,” he said following the Juvenile Fillies. “It was a phenomenal performance.”
• As a 3-year-old, Stardom Bound extended her streak of consecutive Grade I victories to five with the Hall of Famer aboard in the 2009 Las Virgenes Stakes at
Santa Anita and the Santa Anita Oaks.
• After 11 previous attempts, gained his first Kentucky Derby triumph aboard 50-1
shot Giacomo in 2005 to return $102.60 for the team of owners-breeders Jerry
& Ann Moss and trainer John Shirreffs. Win payoff was the second highest in
Derby history behind the $184.90 paid by Donerail in 1913.
• Rallied Tiago, the half-brother of Giacomo, from ninth in a field of 10 to capture
the 2007 Santa Anita Derby, but Tiago was unable to duplicate Giacomo’s success in Kentucky while finishing a troubled seventh behind Street Sense. After
running third behind victorious filly Rags to Riches in the Belmont Stakes, Tiago
returned to Southern California to win Hollywood Park’s Grade II Swaps Stakes.
• The Hall of Fame jockey also returned to his Southern California base in 2007
late in the Santa Anita meet after having gone back to ride on the East Coast for
nearly a year. He won three major stakes at Santa Anita’s 2007 Oak Tree Meet
including consecutive Grade I races by a nose on Sept. 9 aboard Tiago in the
• Initially relocated to California in April 2001.
• The son of a jockey, Smith began riding at age 16 in 1982, and recorded his first
win that year aboard Forever Man at Santa Fe, New Mexico.
• Left New Mexico in 1983 and rode in Arkansas, Nebraska, Illinois, Kentucky and
Minnesota before moving to New York in 1989.
• Suffered fractured shoulder in three places and broken shoulder in March 1998
spill at Gulfstream Park.
• Broke two vertebrae in August 1998 accident at Saratoga. At the time, he was the
leading jockey with 30 wins; wound up losing the title by one. Returned to riding
in February 1999 at Gulfstream.
ALEX SOLIS
Birthdate: March 25, 1964
Birthplace: Panama City, Panama
Height: 5’3”
Weight: 113 pounds
Wife: Sheila
Children: Alex Jr., Andrew, Austin
and Tiffany
Residence: Glendora
Triple Crown Win
Preakness (GI-Pim)—Snow Chief (1986)
Classic (GI)—Pleasantly Perfect (2003-OT)
Sprint (GI)—Kona Gold (2000-CD)
Turf (GI)—Johar (2003-OT)
Academy Road—Royal Gem (2002)
Ancient Title BC (GI-OT)—Kona Gold (GII-2000); Kalookan Queen (2002);
Captain Squire (2005)
Arcadia H. (GII)—Singletary (2005); Daytona (2008)
Baldwin (GIII)—Seattle Borders (2004)
Blue Norther—Megahertz (2002)
California Cup Distaff H. (OT)—Cat's Cradle (1996)
California Cup Distaff Starter H. (OT)—Hillwalker (1995); Miss Lady Bug (1996)
California Cup Distance H. (OT)—Special Heather (2006)
California Cup Juvenile (OT)—Freesgood (2006)
California Cup Juvenile Fillies (OT)—Fabulous Persuasion (1994); Wheatly Special
(1995); Rexy Sexy (1996); Euro Empire (2000); Summer Wind Dancer (2002);
House of Fortune (2003)
California Cup Matron H. (OT)—Royally Chosen (2003)
California Cup Mile H. (OT)—Gum (1990); Gastown (1997)
California Cup Sprint H. (OT)—Softshoe Sure Shot (1993); Testimony (1996)
California Sire (Fillies)—Moosa’s Girl (2001)
Carleton F. Burke H. (GIII-OT)—Public Purse (1999); Golden Rahy (2005)
Clement Hirsch Memorial Turf Championship (GI-OT)—Rainbow Dancer
(1997); Senure (2001)
Clocker’s Corner H.—Annihilation (2010)
Cover Gal (OT)—House of Fortune (2003)
Crystal Water H.—Lennyfrommalibu (2004); Cozy Guy (2005); Celtic Dreamin
(2008)
Daytona H.—Siren Lure (2006)
Eddie Logan—Yankee Bravo (2007)
El Conejo H. (GIII)—Kona Gold (2003)
El Encino (GII)—Got Koko (2003)
Frank E. Kilroe Mile H. (GI)—Redattore (GII-2003)
Goodwood BC H. (GII-OT)—Lively One (1990); Pleasantly Perfect (2002, 2003)
Hill Rise—Greek Sun (2004)
Impressive Luck II H.—Siren Lure (2006)
La Brea (GI)—Got Koko (2002)
La Cañada (GII)—Jewel Princess (1996); Got Koko (2003); Cat Fighter (2004);
Striking Dancer (2010)
La Zanzara H.—Lady Annaliese (2004)
Lady’s Secret BC H. (GII-OT)—Sharp Cat (1997); Got Koko (2003)
Las Cienegas H. (GIII)—Lightmyfirebaby (2008)
Las Virgenes (GI)—A. P. Adventure (2004)
Malibu (GI)—Pleasant Tap (GII-1990); Dixie Union (2000)
Morvich H. (GIII-OT)—King Robyn (2003)
ALEX SOLIS
Norfolk (GI-OT)—Snow Chief (1985); Bertrando (1991); Dixie Union
(GII-1999); Essence of Dubai (GII-2001); Ruling Court (GII-2003); Brother
Derek (GII-2005); Street Hero (2008)
Oak Tree BC Mile (GII-OT)—Fantastic Fellow (1997); Hawksley Hill (1998)
Oak Tree Derby (GII-OT)—Lasting Approval (1997); Sign Of Hope (2000);
Johar (2002)
Palos Verdes H. (GII)—Kona Gold (2000)
Pasadena H.—To Sender (2006); Gallant Son (2009)
Pine Tree Lane (OT)—Tizzy’s Tune (2008)
Pinjara (OT)—Man Among Men (2002)
Potrero Grande BC H. (GII)—Kona Gold (2000, 2001); Kalookan Queen (2002);
Surf Cat (2006)
Providencia (GIII)—Megahertz (2002); Berbatim (2005)
Robert B. Lewis (GII)—Brother Derek (2006)
San Antonio H. (GII)—Criminal Type (1990); Ibero (1992); Redattore (2002);
Pleasantly Perfect (2004)
San Carlos H. (GII)—Surf Cat (2006, 2008)
San Felipe (GII)—Bertrando (1992)
San Gabriel H. (GII)—Brave Act (2000)
San Gorgonio H. (GII)—Uncharted Haven (2001); Megahertz (2004)
San Juan Capistrano H. (GII)—Dahar (GI-1986); Raintrap (GI-1996);
T. H. Approval (2006)
San Luis Obispo H. (GII)—Spring House (2009)
San Luis Rey H. (GII)—Dahar (1986); Champion Lodge (2003)
San Marcos H. (GII)—Prize Giving (1998); Public Purse (2000); Johar (2003)
San Pedro—King Robyn (2003); Arson Squad (2006)
San Rafael (GIII)—Brother Derek (GII-2006); The Pamplemousse (2009)
San Simeon H. (GIII)—Sandtrap (1997); Glick (2004)
Santa Ana H. (GII)—Megahertz (2005)
Santa Anita Derby (GI)—Snow Chief (1986); Brother Derek (2006)
Santa Anita H. (GI)—Malek (1998)
Santa Barbara H. (GII)—Megahertz (2003, 2004, 2005); Magical Fantasy (2009)
Santa Monica H. (GI)—Freedom Cry (GII-1993); Kalookan Queen (2002);
Affluent (2003)
Santa Paula (GIII)—Magnificience (2007); Tanda (2010)
Santa Ysabel (GIII)—Collect Call (2001); A. P. Adventure (2004)
Sen. Ken Maddy H. (GIII-OT)—Hula Queen (1999); A La Reine (2001)
Sensational Star H.—MacWard (2002)
Sham (GIII)—Man Among Men (2003); Master David (2004); The Pamplemousse
(2009); Alphie’s Bet (2010)
Some Sensation—Megahertz (2002)
Strub (GII)—Dare And Go (GI-1995)
Sunny Slope (OT)—Dilemma (2006)
Sunshine Millions Sprint—Captain Squire (2003)
Swingtime (OT)—Moujane (2008)
Thunder Road H.—Sweet Return (2007)
Yellow Ribbon (GI-OT)—Ryafan (1997); Megahertz (2005); Magical Fantasy
(2009)
Acorn (GI-Bel)—Bushfire (2006)
Affirmed H. (GIII-Hol)—Eye Of The Tiger (2003)
American H. (GII-Hol)—El Angelo (1997)
American Oaks (GI-Hol)—Megahertz (ng-2002)
Answer Do (Hol)—Full Moon Madness (2002)
Arkansas Derby (GII-OP)—Victory Gallop (1998)
Ashley T. Cole (Bel)—Compliance Officer (2011)
B. Thoughtful—Le Femenn (2000); Royally Chosen (2004)
Bay Meadows Derby (BM)—Blue Stellar (2001)
Bay Meadows H. (GII-BM)—El Angelo (1997); Hawksley Hill (1998)
Best Pal (GII-Dmr)—Old Topper (GIII-1997); Principle Secret (2006)
Beverly Hills H. (GII-Hol)—Light Jig (2004); Megahertz (2005)
Bewitch (GIII-Kee)—The Seven Seas (2000)
Bing Crosby H. (GI-Dmr)—Olympic Prospect (GIII-1988); Son of a Pistol
(GIII-1998); Kona Gold (GII-2000, 2001)
Bourbonette Oaks (GIII-TP)—Orchestrator (2010)
California Derby (GG) —Yankee Bravo (2008)
California Dreamin (Dmr)—El Don (2006)
Californian (GII-Hol)—Kudos (2003)
Carter (GI-Aqu)—Pico Central (2004)
CERF (Dmr)—Palmarola (2002)
Charles Whittingham Memorial H. (GI-Hol)—Rainbow Dancer (1997);
River Bay (1999); Sweet Return (2005); After Market (2007)
Cinema BC H. (GIII-Hol)—David Copperfield (2000); Greek Sun (2004)
Citation H. (GI-Hol)—Brave Act (GII-1999)
Clement L. Hirsch H. (GII-Dmr)—Tucked Away (2005)
Comp USA Turf Mile (GIII-CD)—Miss Terrible (2005)
Corona (Hol)—Kalookan Queen (2001)
CTBA (Dmr)—Asian Adventure (2001)
Dahlia H. (GII-Hol)—Tout Charmant (2002)
Del Mar Debutante (GI-Dmr)—Beyond Perfection (1990); La Spia (1991);
Call Now (1994); Wild Fit (2005)
Del Mar Derby (GII-Dmr)—Fairly Ransom (2003)
Del Mar Futurity (GII-Dmr)—Bertrando (1991); On Target (1994)
Del Mar H. (GII-Dmr)—Live The Dream (1990); Rainbow Dancer (1997);
Irish Warrior (2003); T.H. Approval (2006); After Market (2007); Spring House
(2009)
Del Mar Oaks (GI-Dmr)—Suivi (GII-1992); Magical Fantasy (2008)
Donn H. (GI-GP)—Sea Cadet (1992)
Dubai Golden Shaheen (GI-Nad Al Sheba)—Big Jag (2000)
Dubai World Cup (GI-Nad Al Sheba)—Pleasantly Perfect (2004)
Easy Goer (Bel)—Friend Or Foe (2011)
Eatontown (GIII-Mth)—Reciclada (2000)
Eddie Read H. (GI-Dmr)—Redattore (2001); Sweet Return (2005);
After Market (2007)
Empire Classic (Bel)—Friend or Foe (2010)
Escondido H. (Dmr)—Cagney (2001)
Estrapade (Hol)—The Seven Seas (2000, 2001)
Fairway Fun (TP)—My Baby Baby (2010)
Fantastic Girl (Dmr)—Kalookan Queen (2001)
Fantasy (GII-OP)—House of Fortune (2004)
Fifth Season (OP)—Acceptable (1998)
Flawlessly (Hol)—Miss Vegas (2004); Charming and Lovable (2006)
Fleet Treat (Dmr)—Soldier’s Kiss (2005)
Florida Derby (GI-GP)—Snow Chief (1986); Captain Bodgit (1997)
Forego (GI-Sar)—Here Comes Ben (2010)
Fran’s Valentine (Hol)—Memorette (2006)
Gamely (GI-Hol)—Magical Fantasy (2009)
Generous (GIII-Hol)—Single Dawn (GII-1989); Earl of Barking (1992);
Startac (2000)
Generous Portion (Dmr)—Whitewinesipper (2001); Sierra Sweetie (2005)
Glens Falls (GIII-Sar)—Emerald Beach (2011)
Gotham (GIII-Aqu)—Red Bullet (2000)
Graduation (Dmr)—Cougar Mtn. Lodge (2005)
Gulfstream Park H. (GII-GP)—Sea Cadet (GI-1992)
Harmony Lodge H. (GP)—Tar Heel Mom (2011)
Harry Henson (Hol)—King Robyn (2003)
Haskell Invitational H. (GI-Mth)—Dixie Union (2000)
Hawthorne H. (GII-Hol)—Freedom Cry (2003)
Hermosa Beach (Hol)—Lady Annaliese (2003)
Hollywood Derby (GI-Hol)—Live The Dream (1989); Super Quercus (1999);
Johar (2002)
Hollywood Futurity (GI-Hol)—Snow Chief (1985); Matty G (1995);
Swiss Yodeler (1997); Brother Derek (2005)
Hollywood Juvenile (GIII-Hol)—Mi Preferido (GII-1987); Swiss Yodeler
(GII-1996); Dixie Union (1999); Crowned Dancer (2002)
Hollywood BC Oaks (GII-Hol)—Sharp Cat (1997); House of Fortune (2004)
Hollywood Prevue (GIII-Hol)—Roll Hennessey Roll (2002)
Hollywood Starlet (GI-Hol)—Stocks Up (1988); Cheval Volant (1989);
I Believe In You (2000)
Hollywood Turf Cup H. (GI-Hol)—Royal Chariot (1995); Rainbow Dancer
(1997); Super Quercus (2001); Continuously (2003)
Hollywood Turf Express (GIII-Hol)—Sandtrap (1996)
Honeymoon BC H. (GIII-Hol)—Do So (1988); Valbenny (2007)
Honorable Miss H. (GII-Sar)—Tar Heel Mom (2011)
I’m Smokin (Dmr)—Dave the Dude (2003)
ALEX SOLIS
Inglewood H. (GIII-Hol)—After Market (2007)
Irish (Bel)—Chorus Music (2011)
Jersey Derby (GII-GS)—Snow Chief (1986)
Jessamine (GIII-Kee)—Somali Lemonade (2011)
Jim Dandy (GII-Sar)—Ecton Park (1999)
Jim Murray Memorial H. (GII-Hol)—Rhythm Mad (ng-2004); Grey Swallow
(2006)
Jockey Club Gold Cup (GI-Bel)—Flat Out (2011)
John C. Mabee H. (GI-Dmr)—Megahertz (2003); Magical Fantasy (2009)
Kelly’s Landing (CD)—Here Come Ben (2010)
La Jolla H. (GII-Dmr)—Fantastic Fellow (1997); Meteore (2009)
Lake Placid (GII-Sar)—Hungry Island (2011)
Landaluce (GIII-Hol)—Distinctive Sis (1988); Raw Gold (GII-1995)
La Troienne (GIII-CD)—Friendly Michelle (2004)
Lazaro S. Barrera (GIII-Hol)—Kukulcan (1997); Twice As Bad (GII-2004);
Storm Wolf (GII-2005); Charlie’s Moment (2009)
Locust Grove H. (GIII-CD)—Danzon (2010)
Long Island H. (GIII-Aqu)—Mekong Melody (2010)
Los Angeles H. (GIII-Hol)—Olympic Prospect (1988); Kona Gold (2002);
Siren Lure (2006)
Manhattan H. (GI-Bel)—Beat Hollow (2002)
Matriarch (GI-Hol)—Ryafan (1997); Squeak (1998)
Meadowlands Cup (GI-Med)—Sea Cadet (1992)
Mervyn Leroy H. (GII-Hol)—Surf Cat (2006, 2008)
Metropolitan Mile H. (GI-Bel)—Pico Central (2004)
Miesque (GIII-Hol)—Prairie Princess (1999); Valbenny (2006)
Milady BC H. (GII-Hol)—Listening (GI-1997)
Mohawk (Bel)—Compliance Officer (2011)
Nany (Bel)—Tar Heel Mom (2011)
Native Diver H. (GIII-Hol)—Olmodavor (2003)
Oaklawn H. (GII-OP)—Snow Chief (1987)
Oceanside (Dmr)—El Roblar (2005-2nd div.); Lightning Hit (2006-1st div.);
Obrigato (2006-2nd div.)
Ohio Derby (GIII-Tdn)—Pleasant Prince (2010)
Pacific Classic (GI-Dmr)—Dare And Go (1996)
Palomar BC H. (GII-Dmr)—Spring Star (2003)
Pat O’Brien H. (GII-Dmr)—Siren Lure (2006)
Personal Ensign H. (GI-Sar)—Urbane (1996)
Pilgrim (GIII-Bel)—Shkspeare Shaliyah (2011)
Princess (GII-Hol)—Favored One (1995)
Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (GI-Kee)—Ryafan (1997)
Quicken Tree (Hol)—Black Bart (2004)
Railbird (GIII-Hol)—Tanda (2010)
Rancho Bernardo H. (GIII-Dmr)—Kalookan Queen (2001, 2002)
Recording (Bel)—Hungry Island (2011)
Robert K. Kerlan Memorial (Hol)—Blu Air Force (2002); Siren Lure (2005)
San Clemente H. (GII-Dmr)—Starlarks (2009)
Secretariat (GI-AP)—Startac (2001)
Senorita (GIII-Hol)—Miss Vegas (2004); Valbenny (2007)
Shoemaker Mile (GI-Hol)—Journalism (1993); Redattore (2003); Daytona
(2008)
Signature Stallion Waya (Sar)—Emerald Beach (2011)
Snow Chief (Hol)—Cheiron (2004)
Solana Beach H. (Dmr)—America’s Friend (2008)
Spotlight BC H. (GIII-Hol)—Earl of Barking (1993); Fumo Di Londra (1994)
Stormy West (Bel)—Exchange Funds (2011)
Suburban H. (GII-Bel)—Flat Out (2011)
Sunset BC H. (GII-Hol)—Qathif (1992); River Bay (1998); T.H. Approval (2006);
Runaway Dancer (2007)
Super Derby (GII-LaD)—Ecton Park (GI-1999)
Suwannee River (GIII-GP)—Cherokee Queen (2011)
Swaps BC (GII-Hol)—Surf Cat (2005); Arson Squad (2006)
Torrey Pines (Dmr)—Got Koko (2002)
Tranquility Lake (Hol)—Winendynme (2005)
Travers (GI-Sar)—Victory Gallop (1998)
Triple Bend H. (GI-Hol)—Son Of A Pistol (GII-1998); Siren Lure (2006)
TVG Khaled (Hol)—Sea To Sea (2003)
Vanity H. (GI- Hol)—Potridee (1994); Victory Encounter (2004)
Vernon O. Underwood (GIII-Hol)—Olympic Prospect (1989); Five Star Day
(1999)
Virginia Derby (GII-Cnl)—Air Support (2011)
West Point (Sar)—Compliance Officer (2011)
Will Rogers (GIII-Hol)—Media Mogul (2001-dh); Osidy (2005)
Willard L. Proctor Memorial (Hol)—Crowned Dancer (2002)
William P. Kyne (BM)—Prepo
Wilshire H. (GIII-Hol)—Spring Star (2004)
Woodford Reserve Turf Classic (GI-CD)—Beat Hollow (2002)
Wood Memorial (GI-Aqu)—Captain Bodgit (GII-1997)
•
Highlights
• First win: Nov. 7, 1981, at Presidente Remon, Panama.
• Riding titles: Santa Anita: 1992, 1997, 2002; Oak Tree: 1996, 1998; Hollywood
Park: 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999 spring/summer; 1993, 1995, 1996, 2001, 2002tie fall; Del Mar: 1996, 2001; Gulfstream Park: 1984; Tropical at Calder: 1983,
1985; Calder: 1984.
• 3,000th winner: Secret Advice RN on Oct. 17, 1998, at Santa Anita. Became
87th jockey to reach the milestone.
• Captured inaugural Bill Shoemaker Award as outstanding jockey on Breeders’
Cup card, Oct. 25, 2003, at Oak Tree when winning the Classic aboard Possibly
Perfect, dead-heating for victory in the Turf aboard Johar and finishing second
aboard Minister Eric in the Juvenile. A previous winner of one Breeders’ Cup
event in 40 rides, he commented afterward, “I always believed God was saving
something special for me, and it came today.”
• His Breeders’ Cup achievements highlighted a career year in 2003 when, at age
39, he ranked fourth nationally as his mounts earned $16.3 million. On Oct.
24, 2003, at Santa Anita, he became the 42nd jockey in North American history
to reach the 4,000-win plateau with a victory aboard King Robyn in Oak Tree’s
Morvich Handicap.
• Won the $6-million Dubai World Cup in 2004 on Breeders’ Cup Classic champion Pleasantly Perfect for trainer Richard Mandella. On the same day, won the
•
•
•
$2-million Dubai Golden Shaheen on Our New Recruit for trainer John Sadler.
Helped boost earnings for year to $11.5 million (ninth nationally) despite missing over five months after fracturing a vertebra in his neck on July 23 at Del Mar
when dislodged by his mount, Golden K K, who clipped heals of another horse.
Injuries included broken ribs and punctured lung.
After being based in Southern California since 1985, moved his tack to Kentucky
on April 17, 2010, at the age of 46. “I’ve been riding here for 25 years, but
I’ve never ridden regularly back East,” he explained. “I had a great career here,
but I’d like to try something different.” He would win the 2010 Forego Stakes
at Saratoga aboard Here Comes Ben. In the meantime, he briefly returned to
California to take Hollywood Park’s Grade III Railbird Stakes atop Tanda. Settled
for a troubled fifth aboard 7-2 favorite Flat Out in the 2011 Breeders’ Cup
Classic at Churchill Downs after riding him to wins in the Grade II Suburban
Handicap and Grade I Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park.
Rode Dare And Go to victory in 1996 Pacific Classic at 35-1, snapping Cigar’s
16-race win streak. Continued “giant-killing” with a victory aboard Malek over
odds-on favorite Gentlemen in 1998 Santa Anita Handicap. Rode Victory Gallop
to a win over previously undefeated Favorite Trick in 1998 Arkansas Derby. Was
aboard when Got Koko ended 11-race winning streak of reigning Horse of the
Year Azeri in Oak Tree’s 2003 Lady’s Secret Breeders’ Cup Handicap.
Won his second Santa Anita Derby in 2006 – and first since Preakness champion
Snow Chief twenty years previous in 1986 – aboard Brother Derek to complete
sweep of Santa Anita stakes for 3-year-olds that included the San Rafael and
Santa Catalina, since renamed in memory of popular owner Robert B. Lewis.
His hopes of a third Santa Anita Derby were painfully dashed in 2009 on
the morning of the race when his mount, 9-5 morning line favorite The
Pamplemousse, had to be scratched due to a tendon injury. The Pamplemousse,
whom Solis rode to victory in the Sham Stakes and San Rafael, both Grade III
Santa Anita Derby preps, was co-owned by his son, Alex Solis II, who had picked
out the Kafwain colt at auction. The jockey’s year regained momentum when he
rode Magical Fantasy to victory in Santa Anita’s Grade II Santa Barbara Handicap
prior to Grade I wins in the Gamely at Hollywood Park, the John C. Mabee at
Del Mar and Oak Tree’s Yellow Ribbon Stakes.
ALEX SOLIS
• Became the regular rider of rising turf star After Market in 2007 while guiding
4-year-old Storm Cat colt to successive victories in Hollywood Park’s Grade III
Inglewood Handicap and Grade I Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap,
Del Mar’s Grade I Eddie Read Handicap and the Grade II Del Mar Handicap.
• Gained national prominence as regular rider of 1986 Eclipse Award-winner Snow
Chief, who retired as the then all-time Cal-bred money earner with $3,383,210.
Snow Chief won that year’s Preakness after finishing eleventh to Ferdinand when
favored in the Kentucky Derby.
• Finished second in the 1997 and 1998 Kentucky Derbys aboard Captain Bodgit
and Victory Gallop, respectively. Dead-heated for fourth in the 2006 Kentucky
Derby when riding Santa Anita Derby winner Brother Derek for trainer Dan
Hendricks.
• Only rider to finish third in all Triple Crown races in same year (Mane Minister,
1991).
• His first Breeders’ Cup victory came in the 2000 Sprint aboard Kona Gold after
going winless with 31 previous Breeders’ Cup mounts including a second on
Kona Gold in the 1999 Sprint. In the 2000 race at Churchill Downs, Kona Gold
broke track and stakes records when timed in 1:07.77 for six furlongs.
• Won four races on Jan. 28, 1994, and donated his earnings for the day, approximately $8,000, to relief efforts for the Northridge earthquake.
• Victorious in four stakes races on Cal Cup Day in 1996, equaling Pat
Valenzuela's record for most stakes wins at Santa Anita in a single day.
• Urged Current Hope to victory in the 1983 Flamingo Stakes by using his helmet
cover and goggles after he dropped his whip in mid-stretch.
Personal
• Went from Panama to Florida in 1982 to finish his apprentice year; moved to
Southern California in 1985.
• Enrolled in Panama jockey school at age 14 to learn basics.
• Interest in racing developed when he accompanied his father to the track as a
youngster.
• Cites Kona Gold, Dare And Go and Snow Chief among best horses he has ridden. Brother Derek, Coastal Voyage, Richard of England and Sea Cadet are
among sentimental favorites.
chantal sutherland
Birthplace: Winnipeg, Ontario, Canada
Height: 5’2”
Weight: 111 pounds
Single
Residence: Sierra Madre
Santa Anita Stakes Win
El Encino (GII)—Pretty Unusual (2010)
Goodwood (GI)—Game On Dude (2011-SA)
Irish O’Brien—Lightmyfirebaby (2008)
Santa Anita H. (GI)—Game On Dude (2011)
Santa Ynez (GII)—Amen Hallelujah (2010)
Wishing Well H.—Porto Marmay (2010)
Achievement (WO)—Essence Hit Man (2010)
Algoma (WO)—Roses ‘n’ Wine (2009)
Ashley T. Cole H. (Bel)—Retribution (2006)
Belle Geste (WO)—Glitter Rox (2008); Hello Maggie May (2009)
Bison City (WO)—Dance for Us (2009)
Border Cup (FE)—Katsum (2001)
Bull Page (WO)—Biddy’s Lad (2002)
Classy ‘n Smart (WO)—You Will Love Me (2009)
Cool Frenchy (Hol)—M One Rifle (2011)
Decathlon (Mth)—Smokume (2005)
Deputy Minister (WO)—Race for Gold (2010)
Duchess (WO)—Mulrainy (GIII-2002), Sugar Bay (2008)
Eclipse (GIII-WO)—Ice Bear (2009)
Fanfreluce (WO)—Inglorious (2010)
Flaming Page (WO)—Lickety Lemon (2008)
Fran’s Valentine (Hol)—Logical Single (2011)
Fury (WO)—Resentless (2010)
Generous (GIII-Hol)—Mr. Rod (2008)
Grey (GIII-WO)—Mine That Bird (2008)
Highlander (GII-WO)—Signature Red (2010)
Kenora (WO)—You Don’t Pass (2009)
Lady Angela (WO)—Sans Sousi (2009)
La Lorgnette (WO)—Mulrainy (2002), Sugar Bay (2008)
La Prevoyante (WO)—Dancing Raven (2010)
Maple Leaf (WO)—Pachattack (2010)
Mazarine (GIII-WO)—Van Lear Rose (2008)
Miami Mile BC H. (GIII-Crc)—Gigawatt (2006)
Muskoka (WO)—Van Lear Rose (2008)
Nassau (GII-WO)—Simply Splendid (2010)
Nijinsky (GII-WO)—Windward Islands (2010)
New Providence (WO)—Dancingall Theway (2010)
Ontario Fashion (WO)—Indian Apple Is (2010)
Ontario Lassie (WO)—Resentless (2009); Inglorious (2010)
Queenston (WO)—Essence Hit Man (2010)
Raven Run (GII-Kee)—Great Hot (2011)
Ruling Angel (WO)—Indian Apple Is (2009)
Seagram Cup (WO)—Lucky Molar (2002)
Senorita (GIII-Hol)—Star Billing (2011)
Shady Well (WO)—Maritime Passion (2009)
Silver Deputy (WO)—Mine That Bird (2008)
Silveyville (GG)—Unusual Suspect (2008)
South Ocean (WO)—Isabella Bay (2010)
chantal sutherland
Star Shoot (WO)—Winter Garden (2003)
Sunset H. (GIII-Hol)—Imponente Purse (2011)
Sweet Briar Too (WO)—Executive Flight (2008); Simply Splendid (2009);
Indian Apple Is (2010)
Swynford (WO)—Mine That Bird (2008)
Tom Fool H. (GII-Bel)—Smokume (2005)
Torrey Pines (Dmr)—Great Hot (2011)
Valedictory (WO)—Lucky Molar (2002)
Whimsical (GIII-WO)—Proud Heiress (2010)
With Approval (WO)—Ice Bear (2008)
Wonder Where (WO)—Northern Kraze (2008)
Woodstock (WO)—Essence Hit Man (2010)
Zadracarta (WO)—Moonlit Beauty (2010)
Highlights
• After commencing her first full year of riding in the U.S. in 2011, the Canadian
native quickly gained the biggest victory of her career when guiding Game On
Dude to a controversial nose victory in the 74th running of the Santa Anita
Handicap and becoming the first female ever to capture Santa Anita’s signature
event. It took the stewards 12 minutes to resolve a chain reaction bumping incident in the stretch and preserve Sutherland’s shining moment. Said Bob Baffert,
who trained the victorious 14-1 shot: “Winning the Big ’Cap is so exciting.
It’s got so much history. . .and Chantal just made history. Her name is forever
going to be in the record book.” “This is by far the best win in my career,” said
Sutherland. “Even getting a leg up from Bob (Baffert) on the horse was great. I
just had such a good feeling today. I’m glad that it came to fruition.”
• Game on Dude’s subsequent victory in the Grade I Goodwood Stakes during
Santa Anita’s Autumn Meet earned Sutherland a trip to the 2011 Breeders’ Cup
at Churchill Downs where she relished the opportunity to become the first female
jockey ever to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic. And she came dramatically close
when 14-1 shot Game on Dude set the pace and drew clear by one length in
midstretch only to be overtaken by another 14-1 shot, Drosselmeyer, in the final
sixteenth. “I think Chantal did a great job,” Baffert said following her secondplace finish. “She showed she could ride with the best of them.”
• Virtually unknown to U.S. racegoers when riding her first season at Santa Anita
in 2008, she became a particular favorite of longshot players when the average
payoff on her 16 winners was $18.80. Reflective of growing respect, the average
win mutuel of her last four winners was $8.40, and No. 15, at even money, was
the first betting favorite.
• “She has become the queen of the longshots,” observed retired Hall of Fame
jockey Gary Stevens. “The proof is in the pudding. She has won several photos,
which shows she is a strong finisher.”
• Her 12th win at the meet resulted in her first stakes victory at Santa Anita. It
came aboard 8-1 shot Lightmyfirebaby in the Irish O’Brien Stakes for trainer
Barry Abrams, a strong Sutherland supporter. “To win my first stakes race at
Santa Anita, it’s out of this world,” she said.
• “I use Chantal on a lot of my horses,” said Abrams. “She gets along with my
nutty, nervous horses. She calms them down. I’m as confident when she’s on a
horse as I am when it’s (Eclipse Award winner) Garrett Gomez.”
• Returned to her native Canada prior to the end of the Santa Anita meet in order
to fulfill obligations in her home country. When she left to return to Southern
California in preparation for the 2008-09 Santa Anita meet, she ranked third in
the standings at Woodbine Racetrack.
• “I never thought I would do this well,” she said of her previous season’s experience at Santa Anita. “I came here to better myself as an athlete. I came with no
expectations. I didn’t know how I would do. It’s been an amazing experience. It’s
been like a dream.”
• Back for the 2008-09 meet at Santa Anita, rode 18 winners and was tied for
tenth in the jockeys’ standings when again returned to Woodbine to resume her
Canadian career as her stakes victories reached double digits at the Toronto-area
racetrack in 2009.
• After her mounts earned over $7.4 million to rank 22nd among North American
jockeys in 2009, she moved into the Top Twenty in 2010 after beginning the
year with a pair of Grade II stakes wins among 18 victories at Santa Anita. She
captured the El Encino aboard Pretty Unusual and the Santa Ynez aboard Amen
Hallelujah. Returning to Woodbine in early April, she expanded upon her 12
stakes scores of the previous year while ranking second in the rider standings.
• Won her first career race on Oct. 9, 2000, at Woodbine with the winner, Silver
Bounty, returning $54.50 to win. Her first four wins resulted in double digit payoffs and all were settled by less than a length.
• Earned Sovereign Awards in both 2001 and 2002 as Canada’s top apprentice
rider. Scored 44 wins for earnings of $1.7 million in 2001. The next year, she
gained 124 victories for purse earnings of $5.7 million. Recorded her first stakes
victory on July 28, 2002 at Woodbine when Biddy’s Lad took the Bull Page
Stakes.
• In 2005, competed in New York and Florida while riding for such noted trainers as Hall of Famer Alan Jerkens and Eclipse Award-winner Todd Pletcher.
Picked up her first graded stakes win for Jerkens when getting Smokume home in
Belmont Park’s Grade II Tom Fool Handicap on July 15, 2005.
• Enhanced her longshot reputation in 2006 when riding Gigawatt to a
$61.60 upset in the Grade III Miami Mile Breeders’ Cup Handicap at Calder
Racecourse.
• Enjoyed a memorable day at Woodbine on Aug. 9, 2008, when she rode five winners ranging from a 21-length win in the program’s third race to a nose victory
aboard Sugar Bay in the $171,308 Duchess Stakes at $9.60. Her other winners
paid $5.60, $8.90, $13.70 and $16.60.
• On Oct. 5, 2008, the day before her return to Southern California, she rode four
winners at Woodbine including a pair in Group III events, 6-1 shot Mine That
Bird in the $250,000 Grey Stakes and 9-1 shot Van Lear Rose in the $250,000
Mazarine Stakes. She missed with her last mount of the day, the appropriately
enough named Runoff to L.A.
• Her victory aboard Mine That Bird in the Grey Stakes was her third aboard the
2009 Kentucky Derby upsetter during his 2-year-old season, enough to qualify
Mine That Bird for the Run for the Roses.
• Graduated from Toronto’s York University where she majored in both psychology
and mass communications. Played field hockey in college and competed for the
junior World Cup team.
• Came close to getting a pilot’s license at 17 but dissuaded by a distaste for flying
in the fog.
• Appeared in a four-page photo spread in Vogue Magazine in 2006 that included
her riding a horse while clad in a skin-tight body suit. World-famed photographer
Annie Leibovitz conducted the shoot.
• Named to People Magazine’s ”100 Most Beautiful People” list in 2006 alongside
such celebrities as Angelina Jolie and Nicole Kidman.
Personal
• Grew up on a farm outside of Toronto where her father, Paul, who owned a
Canadian automobile accessories store, trained standardbreds. Began riding at the
age of 5 and soon began showing horses and taking part in dressage and jumping
competitions.
chantal sutherland
Joseph Talamo
Birthdate: January, 12, 1990
Birthplace: Marrero, Louisiana
Height: 5’4”
Weight: 108 pounds
Single
Residence: Monrovia, California
Breeders' Cup Win
Turf Sprint—California Flag (2009-OT)
California Cup Mile H. (OT)—Unusual Suspect (2007)
California Cup Sprint H. (OT)—Bilo (2007)
Clement L. Hirsch Turf Championship (GI)—Artiste Royal (2007)
Impressive Luck H.—Cherokee Heaven (2010)
La Puente—Dream Nettie (2010); Surrey Star (2011)
Las Cienegas H. (GIII)—Unzip Me (2010)
Morvich H. (GIII-OT)—California Flag (2008, 2009)
San Felipe (GII)—Sidney’s Candy (2010)
San Fernando (GII)—Nownownow (2009)
San Pasqual (GII)—Aggie Engineer (2011)
San Pedro—Try to Fly (2007)
Santa Anita Derby (GI)—Sidney’s Candy (2010)
Santa Lucia H.—Santa Teresita (2008)
Santa Maria H. (GI)—Santa Teresita (2009)
Santa Ysabel (GIII)—Final Fling (2008)
San Vicente (GII)—Sidney’s Candy (2010)
Sunshine Millions Turf—Caracortado (2011)
Tokyo City Cup H. (GIII)—Steam Cat (2009)
Wishing Well II H.—Ingrid the Gambler (2008); Reba Is Tops (2011)
Yellow Ribbon (GI-OT)—Nashoba’s Key (2007)
Adoration H. (Dmr)—Fun Logic (2007)
Alydar (Hol)—Trevor’s Clever (2008)
American H. (GII-Hol)—Ryehill Dreamer (2011)
American Oaks (GI-Hol)—Nereid (DH-2011)
Barretts (Hol)—Social Climber (2007)
California Dreamin’ H. (Dmr)—Bruce’s Dream (2010)
Charles Whittingham Memorial H. (GI-Hol)—Acclamation (2011)
Cinderella (Hol)—Killer Graces (2011)
Citation H. (GI-Hol)—Fluke (2009)
Clement L. Hirsch H. (GII-DM)—Nashoba’s Key (2007)
Contested Bid (Hol)—Riviera Cocktail (2009)
Cougar II (GIII-Dmr)—Temple City (2010); Bourbon Bay (2011)
Daisycutter H. (Dmr)—Synnin and Grinnin (2008)
Del Mar Mile H. (GII-Dmr)—Caracortado (2011)
Desert Stormer H. (Hol)—Ashley’s Kitty (2008)
Fleet Treat (Dmr)—Spenditallbaby (2007)
Gotham (GIII-Bel)—I Want Revenge (2009)
Great Lady M. (Hol)—Unzip Me (2010)
Green Flash H. (Dmr)—California Flag (2009); Raetodandty (2011)
Hermosa Beach H. (Hol)—Sohgol (2007)
Hollywood Juvenile Championship (GIII-Hol)—J.P’s Gusto (2010)
Hollywood Turf Express H. (GIII-Hol)—California Flag (2008)
Landaluce (Hol)—Dawnie Macho (2010); Killer Graces (2011)
Lawndale (Hol)—Reba Is Tops (2009)
JOSEPH TALAMO
Long Beach (Hol)—Wake Up Maggie (2008)
Los Angeles H. (GIII-Hol)—Red Arrow (2009); Camp Victory (2011)
Mervyn LeRoy H. (GII-Hol)—Ball Four (2009)
Milady BC H. (GII-Hol)—Nashoba’s Key (2007)
Miles Tyson (Hol)—Cost of Freedom (2010)
Moccasin (Hol)—Bickersons (2009)
Mountaineer Juvenile (Mnr)—Backdoor Kenny (2011)
Native Diver H. (GIII-Hol)—Aggie Engineer (2010)
Osunitas (Dmr)—Lilly Fa Pootz (2010)
New Mexico Cup Classic Championship Sprint (Zia)—Highland’s Best (2007)
Pirate’s Bounty (Dmr) —Mensa Heat (DH-2011)
Ralph M. Hinds Invitational H. (Fpx)—Booyah (2008)
Railbird (GIII-Hol)—Ashley’s Kitten (2007)
Rancho Bernardo H. (GIII-Dmr)—Tanda (2011)
Real Good Deal (Dmr)—Big Bad Leroybrown (2007)
Royal North (GIII-WO)—Unzip Me (2010)
Sandy Blue H. (Dmr)—Excessive Blend (2009)
Solana Beach H. (Dmr)—Halo Dolly (2011)
Sunset H. (GII-Hol)—Black Astor (2009)
Swaps (GII-Hol)—Dreamy Kid (2011)
Thunder Road H. (GIII)—Fluke (2011)
Triple Bend H. (GI-Hol)—Bilo (2007)
Vanity H. (GI-Hol)—Nashoba’s Key (2007)
Vernon O. Underwood (GIII-Hol)—Bushwacker (2007); Cost of Freedom (2010)
Warren’s Thoroughbreds (Hol)—Silver Z (2007)
Wild Harmony (Hol)—Dance With Gable (2010)
Willard L. Proctor Memorial (Hol)—J P’s Gusto (2010)
Wood Memorial (GI-Aqu)—I Want Revenge (2009)
Highlights
• Riding Title: Fair Grounds (2007)
• First win: July 9, 2006 at Louisiana Downs.
• First Grade I stakes win: Won dual Grade I stakes on July 7, 2007 at Hollywood
Park: the Triple Bend Handicap aboard Bilo followed by Nashoba’s Key in the
Vanity Handicap to become the first apprentice to ride a pair of Grade I winners
on the same card.
• Following a massive disappointment earlier in the year, the youthful product
of Marrero, Louisiana, registered his first Breeders’ Cup victory on Nov. 7,
2009 when guiding the speedy California-bred gelding California Flag to a 1
1/4-lengths tally in the $1 million Turf Sprint over Santa Anita’s downhill turf
course. In the race one year previous, Talamo and California Flag had faded to
10th after dueling for the early lead. “Last year we went :41 for the half, this year
we went :43,” he said. “That was the difference.” The Breeders’ Cup race marked
his seventh win aboard the gray son of Avenue of Flags including 2008 and 2009
wins in Oak Tree’s Grade III Morvich Handicap.
• Not yet out of his teens, experienced a heartbreaking event on the morning of
the 2009 Kentucky Derby when his mount, 3-1 morning line favorite I Want
Revenge, had to be scratched because of a filling in the colt’s left front ankle.
Nobody could remember a Derby favorite ever being scratched before on the
morning of the famous race.
• “This is a fairy tale,” the 19-year-old jockey had said upon embarking on his
first Kentucky Derby odyssey. I Want Revenge earned favoritism with a stunning
win in Aqueduct’s Grade I Wood Memorial after romping in Belmont’s Gotham
Stakes. In the Wood, I Want Revenge overcame considerable trouble. He broke
flat-footed and trailed the field early before maneuvering through a massive jamup at the eighth pole to find daylight and triumph by 1 1/2 lengths. “I’m not
sure a veteran rider could have ridden him any better,” trainer Jeff Mullins commented following the Wood.
• Was off to a solid start in 2010 – with three graded stakes victories at Santa Anita
aboard Sidney’s Candy including a 4 1/2-length victory in the Santa Anita Derby
– when sidelined for nearly two months following a spill at Del Mar on Aug. 5
that resulted in a broken left wrist. At the time of his injury, Talamo’s mounts had
earned over $5.2 million for the year from 96 victories.
• With a dedicated work ethic and outgoing personality, his popularity with trainers helped boost him into a spot among the nation’s top dozen riders based
on purse earnings in 2011. Grade I wins included a dead heat with Cambina
while riding Nereid in Hollywood Park’s American Oaks and a victory aboard
Acclamation in Hollywood Park’s Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap. He
scored with Caracortado in Santa Anita’s Sunshine Millions Turf as well as the
Grade II Del Mar Handicap. Established as the “go-to” rider for Mike Mitchell
as the latter became Del Mar’s all-time leading trainer in 2011.
• Had taken the Southern California circuit by storm in 2007 after relocating from
Louisiana in March. Won 250 races during the year for earnings of $10.7 million
and was a runaway winner of the Eclipse Award as the nation’s leading apprentice,
losing his “bug” in July at Del Mar.
• Work aboard Nashoba’s Key earned 17-year-old a trip to the 2007 Breeders’ Cup
at Monmouth Park in New Jersey. The then unbeaten 4-year-old filly was the
second choice at 3-1 in the $2-million Filly and Mare Turf event before finishing
fourth while experiencing a troubled trip.
• Had ridden the California-bred filly to wins in four graded stakes victories after
she had been handled by Garrett Gomez in her first three wins. Talamo’s victories:
Grade II Milady BC Handicap, Grade I Vanity Handicap, Del Mar’s Grade II
Clement L. Hirsch Handicap and Oak Tree’s Grade I Yellow Ribbon.
• “She’s just unbelievable,” he said after Nashoba’s Key captured the Vanity. “Words
can’t explain,” he said following the Hirsch. “She’s unbelievable, fantastic, whatever you want to call her.” And after the Yellow Ribbon: “It’s just awesome. This
filly has brought me to the next level.”
• While riding 68 winners at Hollywood Park’s 2007 Spring/Summer meet, finished second in the standings, five shy of leader Michael Baze’s total. His victory
total was the second highest ever by an apprentice at the track where Steve Valdez
rode 71 winners in 1973.
• Continued his rivalry with the 20-year-old Baze into the Del Mar meet despite
losing his apprentice allowance during the first week. With 37 victories, again
finished second to Baze, who won the title with 50 wins.
• After becoming first apprentice to win the riding title at Fair Grounds in New
Orleans, relocated to Southern California and became a teenage sensation.
• “I think I’ve improved 100 percent from when I was riding at Fair Grounds,” he
said just months after settling in Southern California. “The riders are so much
better here, and they critique me a lot.”
Personal
• While still in school, went to work with his father, an assistant trainer to Connie
Tassistro, and mucked stalls and walked hots at a training center in Waggeman,
LA.
• Left high school in his junior year to pursue career on the racetrack while continuing his education via online courses. “I never did like school,” he said. “It was
always about the horses.”
• Rode his first races at a bush track called the Quarter Pole in Dusan, LA.
• After galloping horses at Louisiana Downs, took out his jockey’s license at 16, but
was not an instant success while riding over 40 losers before reaching the winner’s
circle. Went on to win another 44 races and become the leading apprentice at the
Louisiana Downs meet.
• Moved to the Fair Grounds and was leading rider almost from the first day before
finishing with 115 victories, 24 more than perennial standings leader Robbie
Albarado.
• Caught the eye of several notable trainers including Hall of Famer Bobby Frankel,
who likened the 16-year-old to the great Pat Day in terms of style and patience.
• Moved to California in late March of 2007 at the urging of Frankel. Because
of some New York commitments, was scheduled to remain only one week. But
after winning with four of his first 19 mounts at Santa Anita, decided to make
California his permanent base.
• First California win came with his first mount, Lochinvar’s Gold, for trainer
Clifford Sise. “That was phenomenal,” the teenager commented. “It just opened
up so many doors, just that one race.”
JOSEPH TALAMO
Jose Valdivia, Jr.
Mile (GI)—Val Royal (Bel-2001)
Oak Leaf (GI-OT)—Tali’sluckybusride (2001)
Oak Tree BC Mile (GII-OT)—Val Royal (2001); Night Patrol (2002)
Oak Tree Derby (GII-OT)—Dark Islander (2006)
Palos Verdes H. (GII)—Big Jag (1998)
Paseana H.—Miss Loren (2005)
Potrero Grande BC H. (GII)—Big Jag (1998); McCann’s Mojave (2004)
San Carlos H. (GII)—Big Jag (1998); Aldebaran (GI-2003)
San Gabriel H. (GII)—Grammarian (2002)
San Juan Capistrano H. (GII)—Meteor Storm (2004)
San Luis Rey H. (GII)—Meteor Storm (2004)
San Marino H.—Requete (2003)
San Simeon H. (GIII)—El Cielo (2000)
Santa Anita Derby (GI)—Castledale (2004)
Santa Lucia—Praviana (1998)
Santa Maria H. (GI)—Miss Loren (2005)
Santana Mile H.—Rail Trip (2009)
Sensational Star H.—McCann’s Mojave (2004)
Tuzla H.—Fudge Fatale (2004)
Triple Crown Win
Birthdate: Dec. 8, 1974
Birthplace: Lima, Peru
Height: 5’4”
Weight: 114 pounds
Wife: Rene
Residence: Monrovia
Breeders’ Cup Win
Belmont (GI-Bel)—Ruler On Ice (2011)
Arcadia H. (GII)—Century City (2003)
California Cup Classic H. (OT)—McCann’s Mojave (2005)
California Cup Sprint H. (OT)—Big Jag (1998)
California Sires (OT)—Proud Louie (1998)
Hidden Light (OT)—Eminent (2000)
La Habra—Conectis (1998)
Las Cienegas H. (GIII)—Heat Haze (2003)
Lure (OT)—Global Hunter (2008)
Morvich H. (GIII-OT)—El Cielo (2000, 2001)
Ack Ack H. (GIII-Hol)—McCann’s Mojave (2005)
All Along BC (GIII-Cnl)—Silver Charades (2007)
All American H. (GIII-GG)—Peach Flat (2000); Buzzards Bay (2006)
Audrey Skirball-Kenis (Hol)—Penny’s Fortune (2004)
Barona Cup (Dmr)—Fencelineneighbor (2003)
Barretts Debutante (Fpx)—Saratoga Flower (1995)
Bay Meadows BC Sprint (GIII-BM)—Big Jag (1999)
Berkeley H. (GIII-GG)—Irisheyesareflying (2002)
Bernie Dowd H. (Mth)—Gunfighter (2011)
Beverly D (GI-AP)—Heat Haze (2003)
Black Swan (Fpx)—Hollywood Picture (1998); Starring Me (1999)
Blue Sparkler (Mth)—Feel That Fire (2011)
California Dreamin’ H. (Dmr) —Dewey’s Special (2009)
California Sprint Championship (BM)—Big Jag (1999)
Californian (GII-Hol)—Buzzards Bay (2007)
Carmel (BM)—Cellamare (2003); Penny’s Fortune (2004)
C.B. Afflerbaugh (Fpx)—Runstevierun (2011)
Hermosa Beach H. (Hol)—Bend a Little (2006)
Churchill Distaff Turf Mile (GIII-CD)—Heat Haze (2003)
Dahlia H. (GII-Hol)—Vacare (2008)
Del Mar Derby (GII-Dmr)—Get Funky (2006)
Del Mar Oaks (GI-Dmr)—Arravale (2006)
E. P. Taylor (GI-WO)—Arravale (2006)
Green Flash H. (Dmr)—Get Funky (2008)
Gulfstream Park Turf H. (GI-GP)—Teaks North (2011)
Hawthorne H. (GIII-Hol)—Keys To The Heart (2003)
Hollywood Gold Cup H. (GI-Hol)—Rail Trip (2009)
Hollywood Turf Cup (GI-Hol)—Champs Elysees (2008)
Indiana BC Oaks (GIII-Hoo)—Bare Necessities (2002)
Iowa Derby (PrM)—Shamoan (2005)
Joseph T. Grace (SR)—Lord Sterling (2000)
Landaluce—Wacky Patty (2003)
Las Madrinas (Fpx)—Ashtabula (1995)
Los Altos (BM)—Urbane (1996)
Los Angeles H. (GIII-Hol)—Hombre Rapido (2003)
Manhattan H. (GI-Bel)—Meteor Storm (2004)
Manhattan Beach (Hol)—Winendynme (2004)
New York (GIII-Bel)—Icon Project (2009)
Oaklawn H. (GII-OP)—Buzzards Bay (2006)
Palomar BC H. (GII-Dmr)—Etoile Montante (2004)
Robert K. Kerlan Memorial H. (Hol)—Full Moon Madness (2003); Get Funky
(2008)
San Francisco BC Mile (GII-BM)—Singletary (2004)
Snow Chief (Hol)—Robador (2005)
Sunnyvale (BM)—Irgun’s Angel (2002)
Sweet Envoy (Aqu)—Eminent Tale (2011)
Vernon O. Underwood (GIII-Hol)—Taste of Paradise (2004)
War Chant (Hol)—Warning Zone (2007)
Woodside (BM)—Buckaroo Zoo (1996)
Highlights
• First winner: Thor Thors on July 17, 1994, at Belmont Park. It was his third
mount.
• First Grade I win: Won 2001Oak Leaf Stakes aboard Tali’sluckybusride.
• Riding title: Fairplex: 1995.
• 1,000th career victory: Hiatus, on July 6, 2008, in the seventh race at
Hollywood Park.
• During a yearlong venture into the Eastern racing circuit in 2010, achieved the
grandest accomplishment of his career when taking the 143rd running of the
Belmont Stakes aboard 24-1 longshot Ruler On Ice by one-half length over Stay
Thirsty. “Turing for home, everything started going in slow motion” a jubilant
Valdivia said afterward. “At the sixteenth pole, I was thinking, ‘Wow, the True test
of the Champion. Oh, my God, I’m going to win the Belmont Stakes.’”
• Four weeks after achieving his first Grade I victory aboard Tali’sluckybusride in
the 2001 Oak Leaf Stakes, joined the ranks of victorious Breeders’ Cup jockeys
when scoring with Val Royal in the Mile at Belmont Park. His biggest victory followed a win aboard the French-bred in the 2001 Oak Tree Breeders’ Cup Mile.
• Most prosperous year came in 2004 when mounts earned $5.6 million highlighted by Castledale’s stunning head win over favored Rock Hard Ten in the Santa
Anita Derby at odds of 30-1. Year included three graded stakes victories aboard
Meteor Storm including Belmont Park’s GI Manhattan Handicap and a pair of
Grade II stakes at Santa Anita, the San Luis Rey and San Juan Capistrano.
• Favored in all seven of his previous races but beaten in two prior preps, Rail Trip
was dismissed at odds of 9-1 in 2009’s $750,000 Hollywood Gold Cup, but
rolled to a three-length victory under patient handling by Valdivia, who said, “I
couldn’t have asked for a better trip. He showed up when it counted most. I’m in
heaven.”
• Sidelined two months with injured right knee but returned to ride McCann’s
Mojave to front-running victory in $250,000 California Cup Classic on Nov. 6,
2005.
• Mounts earned $5.4 million in 2003 when he was victorious in eight graded
stakes including two Grade I events for trainer Bobby Frankel; the Beverly D
aboard Heat Haze and Santa Anita’s San Carlos aboard Aldebaran.
• Regular rider of El Cielo, who set a course record for about 6 1/2 furlongs on turf
of 1:11.57 while wining the Morvich Handicap at Oak Tree on Nov. 5, 2001.
• Got the treat on Halloween Day, 1998, as he overcame a troubled trip to win the
Cal Cup Sprint with Big Jag. After being shut off between horses in the stretch,
angled Big Jag to the outside and went on to a one-length victory.
• Piloted Big Jag to three more thrilling graded stakes victories at Santa Anita in
1999, stamping him as one of the West’s foremost sprinters.
• Was the first apprentice to win a riding title in Southern California since Aaron
Gryder in 1987 when he led the standings at Fairplex Park with 21 victories in
1995.
• Finished second to Russell Baze at 1996 Bay Meadows winter/spring meet.
• First Southern California winner: Medicine Man on July 14, 1995, at Hollywood
Park, for trainer Bob Baffert.
Personal
• Nephew of Fernando Toro, one of Southern California’s most successful jockeys
in the 1970s and ’80s.
• Born in Peru, but family moved to Miami, Fla., in 1989.
• Father was a top jockey in South America. Jose Valdivia Sr. was first rider to win
1,000 races on the continent. Offered a contract to ride in the U.S. for owner
Fred Hooper in 1974, the senior Valdivia declined. He retired in 1987 to become
a trainer.
• Galloped and groomed horses for his father as a teenager.
• Began exercising and riding horses in New York in summer of 1994 for trainer P.
G. Johnson.
• Went back to Florida in early 1995 and won 17 races at Hialeah Park before
returning to New York in April, 1995, to ride at Aqueduct.
jose valdivia, jr.
PATRICK VALENZUELA
Birthplace: Montrose, Colorado
Height: 5’5”
Weight: 117
Children: Michelle, Kristine, Elizabeth
and Brianna
Residence: Arcadia
Triple Crown Wins
Kentucky Derby (GI-CD)—Sunday Silence (1989)
Preakness (GI-Pim)—Sunday Silence (1989)
Breeders' Cup Wins
Distaff (GI)—Adoration (2003-OT)
Juvenile (GI)—Arazi (1991-CD)
Juvenile Fillies (GI)—Brave Raj (1986-SA); Eliza (1992-GP)
Mile (GI)—Opening Verse (1991-CD)
Sprint (GI)—Very Subtle (1987-Hol)
Turf (GI)—Fraise (1992-GP)
Ancient Title BC (GI-OT)—Bordonaro (2006)
Anoakia—Ismene (2011-SA)
Arcadia H. (GII)—Val Des Bois (1993); Norwich (1994)
Baldwin (GIII)—Shuffling Kid (2002)
California Breeders’ Champion—California Nectar (2010)
California Breeders’ Champion (Fillies)—Pocketfullofpesos (2002)
California Cup Distaff Starter H. (OT)—Bountiful Native (1991)
California Cup Juvenile (OT)—Ebonair (1991)
California Cup Juvenile Fillies (OT)—Don B’s Princess (1991); Romance is Diane
(2006)
California Cup Matron H. (OT)—Teresa Mc (1991); Super High (2002);
Dream of Summer (2005)
California Cup Sprint H. (OT)—Unlimited Value (2002)
California Cup Starter Sprint H. (OT)—Irrelevant (1999)
Cascapedia H. (OT)—Madame Pietra (2002)
Clement L. Hirsch Turf Championship (GII)—Filago (GI-1991); Navarone (GI 1992); Acclamation (2011-SA)
Cover Gal (OT)—Mistical Plan (2006)
El Encino (GII)—Proposed (2006)
Harold Ramser Sr. H. (OT)—Kithara (2002-1st div.); Valentine Dancer (2003)
Irish O’Brien—Scrofa (2005)
La Cañada (GII)—Tarlow (2005); Seafree (2006)
Las Cienegas H. (GIII)—Elusive Diva (2005)
Las Virgenes (GI)—Fran’s Valentine (GIII-1985)
Malibu (GI)—Powis Castle (GII-1994)
Monrovia H. (GIII)—Rabiadella (1995)
Morvich GIII)—California Flag (2011-SA)
Norfolk (GII-OT)—Hawkster (GI-1988); Best Pal (GI-1990)
Oak Leaf (GI-OT)—Arewehavingfunyet (1985)
Oak Tree BC Mile (GII-OT)—Designed for Luck (2003)
Oak Tree Derby (GII-OT)—Aragorn (2005)
Palos Verdes H. (GII)—Saint Afleet (2005)
Potrero Grande BC H. (GII)—Sir Hutch (GIII-1994)
Pro Or Con H.—Ta Ta Be True (2002)
San Fernando BC (GII)—Interco (GI-1984)
San Gabriel H. (GII)—Badge of Silver (2006)
San Gorgonio H. (GII)—Tates Creek (2003)
PATRICK VALENZUELA
San Juan Capistrano H. (GII)—Obraztsovy (GI-1981); Nasr El Arab (GI-1989);
Fly Till Dawn (GI-1992)
San Luis Obispo H. (GII)—License to Run (2005)
San Luis Rey H. (GII)—Interco (GI-1984); Continental Red (2002)
San Marino H.—Stroller (1995)
San Pasqual H. (GII)—Hula Blaze (1985); Dixie Dot Com (2000); High Limit
(2006)
San Simeon H. (GIII)—Finder’s Fortune (1995); Pure as Gold (2006)
Santa Anita Derby (GI)—Codex (1980); Sunday Silence (1989)
Santa Anita H. (GI)—Interco (1984); Sir Beaufort (1993)
Santa Anita Oaks (GI)—Fran’s Valentine (1985); Eliza (1993)
Santa Margarita Invitational H. (GI)—Starrer (2003); Tarlow (2005)
Santa Maria H. (GI)—Fran’s Valentine (1985); Starrer (2003)
Santa Ynez (GII)—Elloluv (2003); California Nectar (2011)
Santa Ysabel (GIII)—Itty Bitty Pretty (2006)
Seabiscuit (OT)—Pie N Burger (2003)
Sen. Ken Maddy H. (GIII-OT)—Rolly Polly (2002); Elusive Diva (2005)
Sensational Star H.—Grand Appointment (2005)
Sir Beaufort (GIII)—Inesperado (2002)
Sunny Slope (OT)—Only The Best (2002)
Survive—Icantgoforthat (2003)
Strub (GII)—Swing Till Dawn (GI-1983); Snow Chief (GI-1987); Nasr El Arab
(GI-1989); High Limit (2006)
Yellow Ribbon (GI-OT)—Golden Apples (2002); Tates Creek (2003)
Winter Solstice—Repository (2003)
Ack Ack H. (GIII-Hol)—Joey Franco (2003); Lucky J. H. (2006)
Aegon Turf Sprint (GIII-CD)—Mighty Beau (2005)
Anoakia (OT-Hol)—Gone Rebel (2010)
Apple Blossom H. (GI-OP)—Dream of Summer (2005)
Arlington Lassie (GIII-AP)—Eliza (GII-1992)
Aubrey Skirball-Kenis (Hol)—Fencelineneighbor (2003)
Barretts Juvenile (Fpx)—Clubhouse Ride (2010)
Bayakoa H. (GII-Hol)—Brought to Mind (1992); Starrer (2002)
Bay Meadows Derby (GIII-BM)—Proudinsky (2006)
Beau Brummel (Fpx)—The Thought Occurs (2005)
Best Pal (GII-Dmr)—Perfect Moon (2003); J P’s Gusto (2010)
Beverly D (GI-AP)—Golden Apples (2002)
Beverly Hills H. (GII-Hol)—Track Robbery (GIII-1981); Auspiciante (GI-1987)
Bien Bien (Hol)—Special Rate (2003)
Bing Crosby BC H. (GI-Dmr)—Beau’s Town (GII-2003)
B Thoughtful (Hol)—Proposed (2006)
CERF (Dmr)—Simply Because (2005)
Californian (GII-Hol)—Sunday Silence (GI-1990); Lava Man (2005)
Cat’s Cradle H. (Hol)—House of Fortune (2005)
Churchill Distaff Turf Mile (GIII-CD)—Mirabilis (2006)
Citation H. (GI-Hol)—Forlitano (GIII-1987, 1988)
Corona H. (Hol)—Madam Pietra (2002)
Costa Rising (FG)—Ide Like a Double (2010)
Count Fleet H. (GIII-OP)—Bordonaro (2006)
Dahlia H. (GII-Hol)—Surya (2002-dh)
Dayjur H. (Hol)—Echo Eddie (2002)
Del Mar BC H. (GII-Dmr)—Joey Franco (2003); Three Valleys (2005)
Del Mar Futurity (GI-Dmr)—Best Pal (1990-GII); J P’s Gusto (2010)
Del Mar Invitational H. (GII-Dmr)—Navarone (1994)
Desert Stormer H. (Hol)—Madame Pietra (2003)
Fleet Treat (Dmr)—Sugarinthemorning (2011)
Gamely BC H. (GI-Hol)—Tates Creek (2003)
Gateway to Glory (Fpx)—Manhattan Express (2002)
Gallorette H. (GII-Pim)—Carib Lady (2003)
Generous Portion (Dmr)—Hi Ho Yodeler (2010)
Graduation (Dmr)—Dontsellmeshort (2003)
Harry F. Brubaker H. (Dmr)—Kachamandi (2002)
Harry Henson (Hol)—Ain’t No Other (2011)
Hawthorne H. (GIII-Hol)—Brought to Mind (GII-1991); Queen of Wilshire
(2002)
Hollywood Gold Cup (GI)—Lava Man (2005)
Hollywood Juvenile Championship (GIII-Hol)—Perfect Moon (2003)
Hollywood BC Oaks (GII-Hol)—Hystericalady (2006)
Hollywood Prevue (GIII)—Stuka (1992); Your Tent or Mine (2005)
Hollywood Starlet (GI-Hol)—Very Subtle (1986); Elloluv (2002);
Hollywood Story (2003)
Honeymoon BC H. (GII-Hol)—Megahertz (2002)
I’m Smokin (Dmr)—Bro Lo (2005)
Inglewood H. (GIII-Hol)—King of Happiness (2005)
Ken Maddy (GG)—Echo Eddie (2002)
Kentucky Cup Sprint (GIII-TP)—Estate Collection (2005)
La Jolla H. (GII-Dmr)—Singletary (2003); Burns (2011)
Las Cienegas H. (GIII)—Separate Forest (2011)
Las Palmas H. (GII-OT-Hol)—Briecat (2010)
Live the Dream (Dmr)—Designed For Luck (2003)
Lone Star Park H. (GIII-LS)—Magnum (2006)
Louisiana Showcase Mile (Evd)—Shezacrazygirl (2010)
Manhattan Beach (Hol)—Sugarinthemorning (2011)
Metropolitan Mile H. (GI-Bel)—In Excess (1991)
Milady H. (GII-Hol)—Brought to Mind (GI-1991); Proposed (2006)
Morvich H. (GIII-OT-Hol)—Quick Enough (2010)
Neartic (GII-WO)—Fast Parade (2006)
Northern Spur (OP)—Jonesboro (2005)
Oceanside (Dmr)—True Phenomenon (2002-2nd div.)
Pacific Classic (GI-Dmr)—Best Pal (1991); Acclamation (2011)
Pan American H. (GIII-GP)—Fraise (GII-1993)
Piedra Foundation (Dmr)—Adoration (2003)
Queen’s Plate (GI-WO)—Wild Desert (2005)
Quicken Tree (Hol)—Continental Red (2003)
Railbird (GIII-Hol)—Sportful Snow (1994); Elusive Diva (2004); Short Route
(2005)
Raise Your Skirts (Hol)—Reba is Tops (2010)
Rancho San Miguel (Hol)—El Nuki (2003)
Round Table (AP)—Cowboy Stuff (2002)
Sam’s Town (DeD)—My Star Runner (2010)
Sandy Blue H. (Dmr)—Warren’s Jitterbug (DH-2010)
Secretariat (GI-AP)—Hawkster (1989)
Shoemaker Mile (GI-Hol)—Courageous Cat (2011)
Snow Chief (Hol)—Pumpkin House (1995)
Sorrento (GIII-Dmr)—How So Oiseau (GII-1994)
Spinster (GI-Kee)—Track Robbery (1982); Fowda (1992)
Sunset H. (GII-Hol)—Pranke (1989)
Sunshine Millions Distaff (GP)—House of Fortune (2006)
Sunshine Millions Sprint (GP)—Bordonaro (2006)
Sunshine Millions F&M Sprint (GP)—Madame Pietra (2003)
Super Derby (GII-LaD)—Sunday Silence (GI-1989)
Swaps BC (GII-Hol)—Padua (GI-1985); Best Pal (1991)
Sword Dancer H. (GI-Sar)—Alex the Great (1994)
Test (GI-Sar)—Very Subtle (1987)
Treasure Chest (DeD)—Briecat (2010)
Triple Bend BC H. (GI-Hol)—Concept Win (GIII-1995); Joey Franco (2003)
Unbridled (LaD)—Magumbo Cat (2010)
Valkyr H. (Hol)—Shalini (2003)
Vanity H. (GI-Hol)—Track Robbery (1981); Brought to Mind (1991)
Vernon O. Underwood (GIII-Hol)—Bordonaro (2005)
Warren’s Thoroughbred (Hol)—Proudest Moment (2006)
Wickerr (Dmr)—Bertrando (1994)
Will Rogers (GIII-Hol)—Compelling Sound (1991); Laura’s Lucky Boy (2004)
Windy Sands H. (Dmr)—Shediak (2011)
Woodbine Mile (GI-WO)—Becrux (2006)
Yerba Buena BC H. (GIII-GG)—Peu A Peu (2002)
Highlights
• First winner: Nov. 10, 1978, as Sunland Park, N.M.
• Riding titles: Santa Anita: 2003, 2005, 2006); Oak Tree: 1988, 2003;
Hollywood Park: 1990, 2003 spring/summer; 2003 fall; Del Mar: 1986, 1990,
1991, 2002, 2003.
PATRICK VALENZUELA
• 3,000th career victory: Sexy Too, on Dec. 4, 1999, in the first race at
Hollywood Park.
• 4,000th career victory: Burst of Light on Oct. 9, 2008, at Louisiana Downs.
• After imposing a lifetime ban on Valenzuela in September of 2008 following
a drunken driving arrest the previous December, the California Horse Racing
Board reversed itself on July 22, 2010, and granted the oft troubled rider a
conditional license to compete in California. During a 2 1/2 year absence from
California, he had been licensed to ride in Louisiana and New Mexico.
• At the age of 47, returned to action in California on July 28, 2010 during the
second week of the Del Mar meet. He completed the season with 29 victories
to rank third in the Del Mar jockeys’ standings. His win aboard J P’s Gusto in
the Grade II Best Pal Stakes on Aug. 8 marked his first graded stakes victory
since taking Oak Tree’s Grade I Ancient Title Stakes with Bordonaro in October
of 2006. He proceeded to ride J P’s Gusto to victory in the Grade I Del Mar
Futurity on the meet’s closing day, Sept. 8.
• Two decades after winning the inaugural running of Del Mar’s $1 million
Pacific Classic aboard Best Pal, won Del Mar’s signature race for a second time
in 2011 with a patented front-running ride aboard Acclamation while holding
off favored Twirling Candy by a head. “I’m so blessed and grateful and thankful,” the 48-year-old rider said in the winner’s circle. It was his second Grade I
victory of the year after having captured Hollywood Park’s Shoemaker Mile atop
Courageous Cat.
• Realized most productive year of career in 2003 at the age of 40 when placed
fifth nationally with earnings of $15.6 million and became first jockey since Chris
McCarron in 1983 to sweep the five major Southern California riding titles in
the same calendar year: Santa Anita, Hollywood Park spring/summer, Del Mar,
Oak Tree and Hollywood Park autumn.
• Added his seventh career Breeders’ Cup victory in 2003 and his first since 1992
when Adoration went wire-to-wire at odds of 40-1 to take the Distaff. The win
was one of seven Grade I victories during a year that included 18 graded stakes
wins.
• After a 2004 season that was truncated by riding suspensions that limited his
activity to 13 weeks, came back in 2005 to capture his first of two consecutive
riding titles at Santa Anita. His 69 victories topped the 2004-05 standings. He
edged Victor Espinoza, 77 to 74, to repeat in 2005-06. Finished 2005 with 17
graded stakes wins including his first in the Hollywood Gold Cup when riding
Lava Man to a stakes-record 8 3/4-length victory.
• Following a hiatus of nearly two years due to a license revocation, returned dramatically in 2002 to rank seventh nationally when mounts earned $12.5 million
from 221 wins, tops on the Southern California circuit. Wins included 28 stakes
races, 11 of them graded.
• Rode 1989 Horse of the Year Sunday Silence in 12 of his 14 career starts. Guided
Sunday Silence to wins in the 1989 Kentucky Derby and Preakness before finishing second to Easy Goer in the Belmont.
• In 1992, became first jockey to record two victories on the same Breeders’ Cup
card twice. He did it in 1991 in the Juvenile (Arazi) and the Mile (Opening
Verse), and in 1992 in the Juvenile Fillies (Eliza) and Turf (Fraise). All were
campaigned by the late Allen Paulson with the exception of Fraise, who ran in
Madeleine Paulson’s colors.
• Rode six winners on Oct. 21, 1988, at Santa Anita. One of four riders to accomplish the feat during Oak Tree. The others: Steve Valdez (Oct. 15, 1973), Darrel
McHargue (Oct. 25, 1979) and Martin Pedroza (Oct. 31, 1992).
• Youngest jockey (17) to win the Santa Anita Derby. He had been a journeyman
for one week when he rode 1980 winner Codex for trainer D. Wayne Lukas.
• Rode four winners in 1991 California Cup to become the first jockey in Santa
Anita history to win four stakes in one day. Alex Solis accomplished that feat in
the 1996 Cal Cup and Victor Espinoza equaled it in 2003.
• Rode Interco to upsets of John Henry in 1984 Santa Anita Handicap and San
Luis Rey Stakes.
• Set Santa Anita record for apprentices when he rode 83 winners in 1979-80, after
he led all apprentices with 25 victories at Hollywood Park.
Personal
• Career has been interrupted by numerous suspensions and license revocations
while battling substance abuse problems. Suspended periods began in 1988
and include March 5 to April 25, 1988; 60 days on Oct. 27, 1989; six months,
Dec. 22, 1990; 20 days, Nov. 3, 1994; July 27 through Sept. 13, 1995; Oct. 16,
1997, through Sept. 18, 1999; Feb. 11, 2000, through Dec. 14, 2001; Jan. 23
through April 16, 2004 (resumed riding April 25), and July 2, 2004, through
Jan. 13, 2005. A lifetime ban imposed by the California Horse Racing Board in
September of 2008 was rescinded on July 22, 2010 with the issuance of a stipulated license that the board termed “unprecedented due to its continual nature
and strict conditions.”
• Was out of action for 11 months following a mishap at Hollywood Park on Nov.
26, 2006, that resulted in three fractured ribs and subsequent surgery on his right
knee. Returned to riding by winning a pair of races at Zia Park in New Mexico
on Nov. 3, 2007.
• Hails from a family of horsemen. Father, A. C., was a jockey as were uncles
Ismael (Milo), Angel, Santiago and Mario. Cousin Fernando Valenzuela also rides
in Southern California. Brother Fabian has competed in Arizona and Southern
California.
PATRICK VALENZUELA

Santa Anita Park Publicity Department Santa Anita Park

Transcription

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