Tag: People

When Jorge Delgado saddles CSLR Racing Partners' Awesome Strong for a bid to complete a sweep in the 2022 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes series Saturday at Gulfstream Park, the up-and-coming trainer will be living the American dream that has driven his early success since arriving in South Florida from Venezuela.

“It's been a dream for me since I came to this country to have horses to compete in these races. To sweep the series would be the biggest thing to happen to me so far in my career,” said the 32-year-old trainer, who ventured to the U.S. in 2013 and saddled his first horse in 2017.

Undefeated Awesome Strong has been installed as the 7-5 morning-line favorite to complete a FSS sweep in the $400,000 In Reality, the 1 1/16-mile finale for juvenile colts and geldings that will co-headline Saturday's Gulfstream program with the $400,000 My Dear Girl, in which Lynx will also attempt to sweep the FSS juvenile fillies division series.

Awesome Strong, a son of Awesome Slew who debuted with a six-length victory May 6, has dominated his rivals in the first two legs of the FSS series, the $100,000 Dr. Fager Aug. 6 and the $200,000 Affirmed Sept. 3 to have a chance to become the 10th horse to sweep the lucrative series for juvenile colts and geldings sired by accredited Florida stallions.

A FSS series sweep by Awesome Strong would be yet another highlight for Delgado during a most successful 2022 season, in which he is scoring at a 24-percent strike rate and has saddled his first two graded-stakes winners, Lightening Larry (Grade 3 Chick Lang at Pimlico) and Willie Boi (Grade 3 Smile Sprint at Gulfstream Park). Delgado is pointing Willie Boi, who finished third behind Jackie's Warrior in the Alfred G. Vanderbilt (G1) at Saratoga last time out, to the Nov. 5 Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) at Keeneland.

Training horses has always been in the future of the nephew of Venezuelan training legend Gustavo Delgado, but he never saddled a horse in his homeland.

“You have to go to the school there to get your license. I went to school and graduated but never trained. My plan was always to come here,” he said.

Delgado followed his uncle to South Florida to chase his American Dream.

While working for his uncle, Delgado learned that they had a lot in common.

“What I saw was his determination and his work ethic. He was a winner. No matter how many races he won the day before, he'd be there early the next day. He was always hungry to win races and to be successful,” Delgado said. “His determination I really love and I got it from him.”

He also learned how to train horses up to important races from his uncle, who saddled 2019 Florida Derby (G1) runner-up Bodexpress for a victory in the 2020 Clark (G1) at Churchill Downs and Paola Queen for a triumph in the 2016 Test (G1) at Saratoga. His uncle saddled three Triple Crown champions in Venezuela.

“When he focuses on one horse for one big race, he is hard to beat if he has the horse. He can condition a horse for one big race,” said Delgado, who also worked for another prominent Venezuelan trainer Juan Rodriguez before going out on his own. “This time with Awesome Strong, I go back to those days with him.”

While learning his training lessons from his uncle, Delgado made it a priority to teach himself to speak English.

“I learned English mostly by listening to music and watching TV shows and hanging around with a lot of people I've met here. I've been lucky to make good friends and they correct me when they need to,” Delgado said. “Every time I have to choose a language on an APP on the phone or on the TV, I always choose English. I always push myself.”

His ability to communicate with owners and prospective clients has helped to fuel his growing success during his six-year training career, in which he has saddled 207 winners from 947 starters while winning at a 21-percent rate.

“I've always wanted to be a trainer. I learned to speak English because I wanted to be a successful horse trainer,” Delgado said. “Every time, I was in the gym or driving my car, in my mind, I was always thinking how to get to the big leagues. I have always been dreaming big. I've been preparing for this. People who know me, they know how hard I've been working to win.”

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For the last several years, two of trainer Brad Cox's three sons, Bryson and Blake, have been a pivotal role in his stable's operation. Bryson, who graduated from Louisville's DeSales High School in 2016, will now become a jockey agent to veteran rider Chris Landeros.

“It's a decision I've been thinking about making for a long time,” said Bryson, who was Brad's foreman at his Churchill Downs-based string. “I have a lot of support behind us and I think we're going to have a lot of success together. Chris is a great rider and he's won a lot of races throughout his career. He's a classy person and knows a lot about this sport.”

Bryson will take over the calls for Landeros beginning at Keeneland's Fall Meet. Landeros plans to ride this winter at Turfway Park.

“Bryson comes from a great family and has a lot of proven work ethic in this industry,” Landeros said. “I'm excited to start this next journey in my career with him.”

Landeros has 1,603 wins from 10,793 mounts in his 17-year career. He was ranked No. 8 with 13 wins at this year's Turfway Park Winter Meet and No. 4 in 2021 with 28 victories.

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The 2022 Thoroughbred racing season at Louisiana Downs concluded on Tuesday, Sept. 27. The meet leaders, jockey Carlos Lozada, trainer Shane Wilson and owner End Zone Athletics, Inc. were honored for their accomplishments on the final afternoon of the 84-day meet, which began on Saturday, May 7.

Kevin Preston, Louisiana Downs owner and president, credited his team, horsemen and local racing fans for their support.

“As we wrap up the live racing season at Louisiana Downs, I want to take a moment to thank those who have contributed to our success,” said Preston. “First, our hard working team who show their commitment to making Louisiana Downs great again and overcome all obstacles thrown their way. Also, to the horsemen, both on the Thoroughbred and Quarter horse side, for showing their support and caring for these amazing athletes. And, finally, to our fans in the Bossier City/Shreveport metroplex. Throughout 2022, we offered live and simulcast racing, sports wagering and many promotions. We are grateful for the positive feedback we have received. I can promise that we will make it even better in 2023!”

Carlos Lozada Wins His Third Leading Rider Title

Carlos Lozada, who won his first title here in 2019, clinched top honors once again. He was involved in a competitive battle with Jose Guerrero entering the final week of the season, but drew off by five wins. Lozada capped his meet by winning the final race of the meet aboard Super Wise ($20.40) on the turf for trainer Al Cates.

“I want to thank my family, my agent Ronald Ardoin and each of the owners and trainers who gave me such good mounts,” said Lozada. “I worked hard, as did Jose this year at Louisiana Downs. It means a lot to win my third title here.”

Lozada was the leading rider here in 2019 and secured the 2021 title with 84 wins. He rode for a variety of trainers including Greg Tracy, Joe Duhon, Joey Foster, Al Cates and Karl Broberg, completing the 2022 meet with a record of 85 wins, 59 seconds and 61 third-place finishes. His mounts earned $1,097,345.

The 37-year-old native of Puerto Rico began riding in the United States in 2007 after attending Puerto Rico's Escuela Vocational Hipica, the famed jockey school with a noted list of riders, including Irad Ortiz, Jr., Jose Ortiz as well as 2018 Louisiana Downs top-ranked rider, Emanuel Nieves.

Lozada is supported by his wife, Eileen Quinones and their three sons: Anthony; Jean Carlos and Jandriel. While the majority of the Louisiana Downs jockeys will head to Delta Downs, Lozada will return to his home in Tampa and ride some races at Tampa Bay Downs.

Jose Guerrero had an excellent meet, winning 80 races and edging Lozada in earnings with $1,144,805. Joel Dominguez, who was second in the standings in 2021, finished third with 59 trips to the winner's circle. Apprentice Vicente Del-Cid, winner of the 2022 Evangeline Downs leading rider title, was fourth in the standings with 52 victories.

Shane Wilson Honored as Leading Trainer

It was another excellent showing for Shane Wilson who repeated as leading trainer at Louisiana Downs with 50 victories.

The Haughton, Louisiana resident started 217 Thoroughbreds adding 42 runner-up finishes and 33 thirds to earn $762,665 for the meet. He took the lead from the beginning of the meet and was never caught.

“We came in with 58-60 horses; no 2-year-olds,” said Wilson. “The first condition book was super for us and from there we kept our foot on the pedal. We were able to pick up a few horses after Lone Star Park wrapped up. Some of the better horses only got one start, but overall, we were pleased.”

Jockeys Jose Guerrero and Alexander Castillo rode the majority of the Wilson trainees with both riders showing improvement in their skill level.

Of course, Wilson is grateful to his owners, including Wayne T. Davis, Jim and Kathy Reeves, Hugh Moore, Craig Drago and Phyllis Presswood.

“I've been blessed with loyal owners who have supported us for over ten years,” added Wilson. “Tye Smith joined us this year and I am fortunate that they trust me and let me place their horses where they can win, but also let me take some chances. To be able to try a horse on turf or see how they handle going long is important. Everything is about the owners and I wouldn't have won these titles without them.”

It's a family affair at the Wilson barn, with his wife Becky and younger son, Connor, sharing in the key duties. His oldest son, Peyton, is an honors engineering student at LSU.

Wilson will stable at Fair Grounds in New Orleans for their 2022-2023 live racing season.

Joey Foster, who has won the Louisiana Downs trainer title three times, finished in a tie for second with Karl Broberg. Both horsemen won 28 races. Greg Tracy followed with 30 victories and Steve Asmussen won 28 races.

Leading Owner Title Goes to End Zone Athletics, Inc

End Zone Athletics, Inc. claimed its third leading owner title. The highly successful partnership of Karl Broberg and Matt Johanson won 21 races this meet, after topping the standings in 2019 and 2020, and finishing second last year to Wayne T. Davis.

Broberg's longtime assistant, Kevin Martin, accepted the award on Tuesday afternoon.

“We are thankful that we got on a roll after a mediocre start to grab this award,” said Martin. “Our thanks go out to everyone involved in our outstanding team, including our grooms, gallop boys and our jockeys.”

Davis, who won the 2021 title, finished in a tie for second with Greg Tracy. Both owners won 15 races. Elite Thoroughbred Racing, Inc. rounded out the top four in the standings with 12 wins.

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Ramon Vazquez, leading jockey at the recently concluded Los Alamitos Thoroughbred Meet, plans to remain a prominent presence at Santa Anita when the 18-day Autumn Meet begins Friday. The 38-year-old native of Puerto Rico is here to stay according to his agent Bill Castle, who has Vazquez booked to ride seven of nine races on opening day.

“Riding full time at Santa Anita is a first for us,” said the 58-year-old Castle, a native of New York City who earned his keep on Wall Street for 20 years before retiring to become an agent going on two decades now, learning the ropes under agent Steve Rushing (Irad Ortiz, Ramon Dominguez, Edgar Prado).

“He was so kind to me. I've known Steve since 1987 and he let me sit with him for 2 ½ years to watch how he did his work.

“Ramon and I left Oaklawn which had been his base many years and have been in Southern California about five months.

“Del Mar was phenomenal. We were really blessed with the support from the owners and trainers. It continued at Los Alamitos, but it's not about winning the titles. It's about the day-to-day work, the repetition, and that was successful the last two meets, and coming into Santa Anita, we'll have a very robotic schedule, the same thing, day in, day out.

“Those meets are behind us, so every morning you get up, it's a new chapter. For Ramon to win five races at Los Alamitos closing day finishing with a win in the Capote Stakes, you just say, 'Wow!' No one's ever done that before.

“We're looking forward to Santa Anita very much, but the question I get hit with day in and day out is: “Are you staying?'

“We took a six-month lease on an apartment in Monrovia, so we're really here to stay and we're not looking to leave, not with so many Grade 1 and Breeders' Cup opportunities.

“We're very happy here; we're not leaving.”

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