Jockey Mario Gutierrez named ‘top jockey’ by fans in the ESPY awards
Rider, Mario Gutierrez, was honoured by his fans and was named the top jockey at the ESPY awards on 11th July, 2012.
The rider gained most of his recognition when he guided the Doug O’Neill trained, I’ll Have Another, to consecutive victories in the first two legs of the Triple Crown, the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby Presented By Yum! Brands and, the Grade 1 Preakness
Stakes.
Gutierrez was chosen over other jockeys including Ramon Dominguez, John Velazquez and Javier Castellano.
The rider mounted, I’ll Have Another, in his final farewell when he was paraded between races at the Betfair Hollywood Park on 7th July, 2012.
The 25-year-old jockey greatly appreciated what I’ll Have Another did for his career as he told the press that:
“Before I’ll Have Another, no one knew who I was.” He thought it was unfortunate that the colt could not participate in the Belmont Stakes and take a chance at eternal glory but he said: “It has been an unbelievable journey.”
Pleased with the title of top jockey, Gutierrez thanked his fans via Twitter and stated:
“Thank you everyone! It has been an incredible year. I could not have done it without the fans.”
Not only has Gutierrez gained praise from the fans, his peers have also appreciated the way he handled I’ll Have Another.
Trainer Dale Romans admired the effort the rider has put into the first legs of the Triple Crown as he commented:
“I’d never heard of Mario before he came in for his ride in the (Kentucky) Derby.” Romans further stated: “I was impressed with his ride there and even more impressed with his ride in the Preakness.
It seems that the jockey has decided to take a break from the United States for the summer, as he will return to Hastings racecourse and return to the United States for the Breeders’ Cup, due to take place at Santa Anita in November, 2012.
Before heading to Hastings, the rider will mount the John Sadler trained, Regal Betty, in the Kent Handicap on 15th July, 2012 at Emerald Downs which covers a distance of 1 1/16-miles.
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