ronald ardoin | Horse Racing Free Tips

James Graham earned his 3,000th career win when he piloted Vortex to victory in the second race at Fair Grounds Sunday.

“It's quite emotional actually,” Graham said. “I came here in 2002 and all I ever wanted was a shot. I wish my mom was still alive to see this. Thank you to everybody who has ever put me on a winner throughout my whole career. This is all because of you guys. Thank you to my wife. If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be where I am. Fair Grounds has been good to me over the years. I've made a lot of friends and lost a lot of friends. Racing is a life and we are all a big family. Thank you to everybody.”

Graham recorded one win in his native Ireland before launching his career in the U.S. where his first victory came at River Downs on July 1, 2003 aboard B.J. Star for trainer Allan Shapoff in just his 12th mount. Later that year, his first Fair Grounds victory came aboard High Octave for trainer Ronny Werner. With 1,340 wins, Graham is the third winningest rider at Fair Grounds since 1986, behind Ronald Ardoin and Robby Albarado.

“This is special for me doing it [at Fair Grounds],” Graham said. “My career took off here. When I first got here in 2003 and started riding, this is the meet that got the ball rolling for me. Look at the guys I started riding with here. Gerard [Melancon], Robby [Albarado], Shane Sellars, E.J. Perrodin–I got educated here. I've got a couple more goals at this track that I want to accomplish, so I'm banging on the door and I'm young, fit and healthy.”

The 44-year-old has won over 47 graded stakes, including Fair Grounds victories aboard 135-1 shot Ive Struck a Nerve in the 2013 GII Risen Star S., 28-1 shot Call Me Midnight in the 2022 GIII Lecomte S., and 7-1 shot Ron the Greek in the 2010 Lecomte.

The post Graham Scores 3,000th Win at Fair Grounds appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Several former leading riders will be gunning for a repeat title this year at Harrah's Louisiana Downs in Bossier City, La., including Emanuel Nieves.

The 27-year-old Nieves was born in Puerto Rico and learned his craft at Puerto Rico's Escuela Vocational Hipica, the famed jockey school near San Juan. It is a two-year program that has produced some of the top riders in North America, including Eclipse Award winning jockey Irad Ortiz and his brother, Jose.

Nieves made his riding debut in 2012 at Finger Lakes in New York, but Louisiana has been his circuit for the past three years. He credits his agent, Ronald Ardoin for his success as the former jockey works very hard and has solid relationships with pretty much every trainer in the region.

He was the leading rider at Harrah's Louisiana Downs in 2018, winning 85 races, but last year was much tougher. He was injured in a spill during the second week of the meet and underwent surgery. His recovery took over four months before he was cleared to ride. The remainder of the year was very challenging as he had to rebuild his business.

“It was very hard to get back,” admitted Nieves. “Many of my trainers had secured other riders at Evangeline Downs. It was almost like starting over.”

However, the support from many horsemen returned and Nieves is healthy and was ready when the Harrah's Louisiana Downs Thoroughbred season began on Saturday, June 6. He showed his prowess in the saddle winning the final race of the card with Leadem Farm Inc's Friendlyproduction. The 3-year-old colt by Run Production was making his debut for trainer Joseph Smith. Smith had no expectations as the $10,000 purchase had not been showing much in his morning works.

“I just told Emanuel that I wasn't sure what we had, but to just figure it out,” said Smith.

In the early stages the Louisiana-bred was well behind the early pacesetters, but Nieves patiently guided his colt to the outside and drew off to a resounding eight-length victory. His morning line was 12-1, but he was completely overlooked in the wagering and returned $86 to those savvy handicappers that saw his potential!

Smith, who was an assistant in Texas to trainer Danny Pish until he went on his own in 2013, credits Nieves for a very patient ride on Friendlyproduction.

“Truthfully, I don't know how many other riders would have done as well,” added Smith. “They might just have given up, but not Emanuel! I have a small stable, so a win like that means a great deal to me and my owners.”

Friendlyproduction is entered back on Monday, June 22 and Nieves will have the return call at odds of 9-2.

Nieves is grateful to all the horsemen who continue to give him opportunities and does not dwell on the misfortune of 2019. Healthy and a proud new daddy to his 8-month-old son, Ian, he is more focused this year than ever. He strives to work hard in the mornings, win races in the afternoon and spend quality time with his wife and son.

“It's not how you start, but how you finish,” said Nieves.

The post ‘Almost Like Starting Over’: Jockey Emanuel Nieves Working His Way Back From Injury appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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