By: Lisa Coleman

It’s no secret that I’m a big horse racing fan. My father starting taking me to the track when I was 12 years old, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I’ve been to the Kentucky Derby 22 of the last 25 years and it’s always an incredible thrill. On June 9th, a 25-year-old Mexican jockey named Mario Gutierrez (from Veracruz) and his mount,  I’ll Have Another,  are headed to the 144th Belmont Stakes bidding for the first Triple Crown since 1978 when Affirmed won thoroughbred racing’s biggest prize.

Gutierrez was riding in Mexico City when he was spotted by Terry Jordan, a Hastings Racecourse trainer who had gone to the track while on vacation. And the rest, as they say, is history. A virtual unknown a few months ago, Mario guided I’ll Have Another to Kentucky Derby and Preakness (read about it at http://mexicotoday.org/article/mario-gutierrez-looks-keep-triple-crown-hopes-alive-preakness-stakes ) victories and is focused on making history.
Viva Mario!
Viva Mexico!