Veteran jockey Juan M. Gutierrez won both of the premier races at Emerald Downs to be named Jockey of the Week for September 8-September 13. The award is voted on by a panel of experts for riding accomplishments by members of the Jockeys’ Guild, the organization which represents more than 950 active riders in North America.
On September 10, Gutierrez won the Emerald Downs Distaff for a record fourth time aboard Alittlelesstalk for trainer Roddina Barrett. Gutierrez made the winning move in deep stretch to collar Killarney Lass ridden by Eddie Martinez and drew off to win by 2-1/2 lengths. Gutierrez became just the second rider in Emerald Downs history to win both races in the same year when he next captured the Grade III Longacres Mile for the third time with Alittletwistafate trained by Blaine Wright. Alittletwistafate was coming off a 16-month layoff and powered to a 4-1/2 length victory.
For the week, Gutierrez posted 4 wins from 14 mounts for a win percentage of 28.5% and an in-the-money percentage of 64% with total purse earnings of $96,515.
A native of Jalisco, Mexico, Gutierrez won his 2,000th career race this year on July 24. He is a member of the Washington Hall of Fame and is second in all-time track victories at Emerald Downs with 1,406 only 13 behind Gallyn Mitchell’s record of 1,419.
Gutierrez out-polled fellow riders David Cabrera, Tyler Gaffalione, Irad Ortiz, Jr., and Miguel Angel Vazquez.
About the Guild
Jockeys’ Guild, Inc. is the organization representing professional jockeys in Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing in the United States. It was founded in May 1940 and has approximately 1,250 members, including active, retired and disabled jockeys. The purpose is to protect jockeys, strive to achieve a safer racing environment, obtain improved insurance and other benefits for members and to monitor developments in local, state and federal laws affecting the racing industry, and in particular, the jockeys. For more information about the Guild, visit www.jockeysguild.com or www.facebook.com/jockeysguild
