Perennial Santa Anita leading rider, Juan Hernandez wasted little time laying claim to the jockey title for the Autumn Meet. Posting three graded stakes wins over opening weekend, the panel of racing experts voted Hernandez Jockey of the Week for Sept. 25 through Oct. 1.
The honor recognizes jockeys for riding accomplishments and who are members of the Jockeys' Guild, the organization which represents more than 1,050 active, retired and permanently disabled jockeys in the United States.
On Saturday, trainer Mark Glatt gave a leg up to Hernandez aboard Dr. Schivel in the Grade 2 Santa Anita Sprint Championship for 3-year-olds and up. Off as the 2-1 favorite in the field of nine, Dr. Schivel bobbled slightly at the start and raced in third behind early pacesetters, Sir Atticus, and Speed Boat Beach. Turning for home it was Dr. Schivel and Speed Boat Beach in a duel down the stretch with Dr. Schivel prevailing by a head in 1:08.49 for six furlongs over a wet fast track.
“He broke a step slow but, after the first sixteenth, he got me there,” Hernandez said. “He was really game today. My horse was really brave.”
Also on Saturday, Hernandez had the call for the first time on Hong Kong Harry for trainer Phil D'Amato in the G2 City of Hope Mile for 3-year-olds and up. Off as the even-money favorite in the field of nine, Hong Kong Harry raced along on the rail saving ground around the first turn and up the backstretch. Hong Kong Harry found running room at the top of the lane and went on the win in 1:33.77.
“He had a really nice trip, this horse was sharp today,” Hernandez said. “Out of the gate, he was pulling and pulling. He's a professional. He does everything himself.”
Riding for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert on Sunday, Hernandez had the mount on Adare Manor in the G2 Zenyatta Stakes for fillies and mares 3-years-old and up. Clearly the class of the compact field of four, Adare Manor lead from start to finish to post her fifth win in a row by five and one-quarter lengths in 1:43.70.
“Today all the credit goes to my filly, Bob (Baffert) and his team they brought her today,” Hernandez said. “She was just galloping around on the lead and I didn't do much today.”
With a total of seven wins at Santa Anita for the week, Hernandez is in his usual spot at the top of the jockey standings.
Other contenders for Jockey of the Week included Junior Alvarado with two graded stakes wins at Belmont at the Big A, Tyler Gaffalione with 10 wins and the leading rider title at Churchill Downs as well as setting a record for number of wins at the Fall Meet, Mario Gutierrez who won the G1 Awesome Again at Santa Anita, and Kevin Roman who won two stakes races at Prairie Meadows.
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