Mario Gutierrez: Jockey's Story Rivals That of I'll Have Another

Many times we become obsessed with the odds facing the horses in the Kentucky Derby, but often times, the jockeys are big underdogs themselves.

Mario Gutierrez’ path to riding I’ll Have Another in a victory at the 138^th Kentucky Derby had its trying times. A poverty-stricken Gutierrez left his home in Veracruz, Mexico at the age of 19.

He had picked up a passion for horses from his father, who was also a jockey. He was noticed by experts from Hastings racetrack in Vancouver, and there Gutierrez began his ascent. Along the way he has had to battle immigration issues, but he found himself at the 2012 Kentucky Derby, with an opportunity of a lifetime.

Now 25, Gutierrez did not disappoint. He commanded his horse masterfully and helped the horse seize an exciting victory at Churchill Downs.

By most accounts, Gutierrez is a great guy, and an excellent young jockey. This makes most who know him throughout the sport happy for his recent success.

That sentiment was confirmed by one of Gutierrez’ closest competitors in the Kentucky Derby, Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith. Smith spoke to Jerry Bossert of the New York Daily News regarding his peer:

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“You know what, when you speak to him, there is nothing phony about this kid,” Smith said. “Probably one of the nicest kids you will meet. He is the kind of guy you root for. When I realized it was going to be him that was going to beat me, I was hoping no one would pass him. He’s that kind of guy. He’s a genuine, nice, good person. They’ll know him now, and you’ve not seen the best of him.”

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It says something about a person when the opposition is at peace with taking a back seat to him on his day. Gutierrez and I’ll Have Another’s chances of repeating the performance in the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico is unlikely, but nothing can tarnish their shine from this past Saturday.

I’ll Have Another overcame 15-1 odds to win the Derby, but that is nothing compared to what Gutierrez had to overcome to ride him in victory.

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