Mario Gutierrez: How Preakness 2012 Victory Will Impact His Career

Mario Gutierrez worked his magic again and pushed I'll Have Another to one more dramatic victory in the Preakness Stakes in what will be a career-making performance.

Now with the first two legs of the Triple Crown under his belt, he will catapult into the upper echelon of jockeys.

The 25-year-old was born in Veracruz, Mexico. He started jockeying in Mexico City, but went to Canada to pursue the sport.

Last year, Gutierrez was in Vancouver racing at Hastings Racecourse. He spent six years at the Canadian track, but would head to California during the winters.

It was at Santa Anita Race Track that he caught the eye of J. Paul Reddam, the owner of I'll Have Another.

Keeping the spirit of the sport, Reddam gambled on the youngster after an impressive workout with his prized thoroughbred. 

Trainer Doug O'Neill had this to say about that first workout and Gutierrez's performance in the Kentucky Derby, via the New York Daily News.

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I had him (Gutierrez) come work the colt. They got along beautiful. Paul said, ‘Let’s give the kid a chance.’ Thank you, Paul, because this kid can really ride. Actually, I just hope he doesn’t get too big to where we can’t get him. Usually what happens with these jockeys, they get so popular and you’re like, ‘Wait a second, did you forget about us, Mario?’ ”

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Gutierrez is in the midst of a meteoric rise, and O'Neill is right to worry about the jockey becoming too big for him.

There is no telling what the ceiling on the Mexican's career is now. With two remarkable finishes at Churchill Downs and Pimlico, he will be a popular pick to win the Belmont Stakes and become the first Triple Crown winner in 34 years.

If Gutierrez and I'll Have Another are able to win in New York, the jockey will have gone from unknown to a legend of the sport in just one year.