Category: JOSE GUERRERO

LOUISIANA DOWNS TO HOST EXOTIC ANIMAL RACES FEATURING CAMELS, ZEBRAS AND OSTRICHES ON MONDAY, MAY 29

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Jockey Jose Guerrero Off to a Fast Start in the 2023 Thoroughbred Meet

 

Bossier City, LA – Louisiana Downs will present Exotic Animal Races on Monday, May 29. The family friendly event continues to delight fans of all ages, combined with live Thoroughbred racing and simulcast racing from tracks across the country.

Special family-friendly activities for the Memorial Day holiday get underway on the trackside apron at 12:00 noon (Central). There will be Face Painting, a Bounce House, live music and some of the top Food trucks in the Shreveport/Bossier City metroplex. Louisiana Downs is committed to serving the community and invites fans to visit the Lifeshare Blood Drive Mobile Unit, which will be onsite throughout the Memorial Day afternoon.

Ann Switalski Photography

Post time for the first of eight live Thoroughbred races is 2:05 pm (Central). First up, will be the  “Camel Derby” which will run on the main track after race 2 (approximately 3:00 pm). A fully grown adult camel can exceed six feet in height and weigh up to 1,000 pounds. The fans line up at the rail to root for their favorite camel as they load up and break from the starting gate!

The ”Zebra Derby” will take place after the fifth  race on the Monday program (approximately 4:10 pm). They are smaller than our Thoroughbreds, but can run up to speeds of 65 mph, so our fans will have to cheer for our brave jockeys to hang on tight!

Ann Switalski Photography

The final exotic animal race of the afternoon will be the “Ostrich Derby” which will run after the sixth race (approximately 5:20 pm). Ostriches usually weigh an average of 200 pounds, but some males can tip the scales at 340 pounds. Known for their long neck and legs, ostriches also have extremely distinctive eyes, the largest of any land vertebrate. They are very fast and run without a saddle, so the riders have to rely on balance as they surge to the finish line!

For more information on the Memorial Day activities, live racing and other upcoming special events, visit ladowns.com.

Jockey Jose Guerrero in the Lead After Winning 80 Races Last Year at  Louisiana Downs

Jose Guerrero. Ann Switalski Photography

The 2023 Louisiana Downs Thoroughbred meet enters its fourth week this Saturday. It has been an excellent start for jockey Jose Guerrero who has been on top of the standings since the meet began on May 6.

The 29-year-old has come a long way since he rode his first winner in 2016. With brief stints in Texas and Arkansas, the native of Mexico has found his home in Louisiana. Last year, leading trainer Shane Wilson gave Guerrero the first call on the majority of his horses and explained what he saw in the talented rider.

“I took notice of him three years ago and told my owners that Jose was going to be the guy,” stated Wilson. “He was riding these 40 and 50-1 shots and out finishing much better horses. Always a hard worker, Jose was always first to arrive in the morning and would still be around when the  track closed.”

“Shane has given me so much confidence,” said Guerrero. “He saw something in me, and we have developed a strong working relationship. After I work horses, we watch replays and talk about what each horse does well and what I can do to win more races. Shane has taught me a lot.”

Steve Melancon is Guerrero’s agent and has booked him successfully with a number of trainers in addition to Wilson., including Patti Turner, Tim Dixon and Judy Beavin.

Last year, Guerrero won 80 races, finishing second to Carlos Lozada, who made 84 trips to the winner’s circle. Heading into Saturday, he has ridden 11 winners, leading Emanuel Nieves by one. Angel Suarez, who is riding for the first time at Louisiana Downs, is commanding attention as he has already won nine races. Joel Dominguez is also riding well this season.

Guerrero is a fulfilled young man away from the racetrack married to Jacqueline Edison and enjoying time with their one-year-old son, Matteo.

“He’s getting big and is very strong,” Guerrero said of his son. “Matteo has a lot of energy; probably got it from me!”

There is no urgency in predicting the riding title for the 2023 Louisiana Downs meet.

“This has been a great meet,” he added. “I feel more confident, and my only goal after last season was to try to do better this year. There is always pressure to stay on top, but I am trying to stay calm. ”

Louisiana Downs 2023 Thoroughbred Season

The 2023 Thoroughbred racing season at Louisiana Downs kicked off on Saturday, May 6. Notable events for the 61-day live racing season include Louisiana Cup Day on Saturday, August 12 and the return of the $200,000 Super Derby on Saturday, September 2.  Live racing continues through September 12; visit Louisiana Downs Racing for more information on post times and upcoming racing dates.

About Louisiana Downs

Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and is owned by Rubico Acquisition Corporation. With annual Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons, the track is committed to presenting the highest quality racing programs paired with its 150,000 square foot entertainment complex offering casino gambling, dining and plasma screen televisions for sports and simulcast racing.

JOCKEY JOSE GUERRERO REACHING NEW HEIGHTS AT LOUISIANA DOWNS

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Due to Excessive Heat, Post Time for Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, June 26 Has Been Moved to 4:15 pm (Central)

Bossier City, LA – The 2022 Louisiana Downs Thoroughbred meet enters its ninth week this Saturday. It has been an excellent start of the live racing season for jockey Jose Guerrero who has been on top of the standings since the meet began on May 7.

The 28-year-old has come a long way since he rode his first winner in 2016. With brief stints in Texas and Arkansas, he has found his home in Louisiana. Guerrero was fifth in the standings here in 2020 and finished as the third-leading rider last year. When the Louisiana Downs season wraps, he heads to Delta Downs, where he has finished fourth in the standings for the past two years. The native of Mexico has been in lead at Louisiana Downs throughout the 2022 live racing season, holding off tough competition including former leading riders Emanuel Nieves, Joel Dominguez and Carlos Lozada.

“My luck has changed since I came to Louisiana,” stated Guerrero.

Top ranked trainer Shane Wilson has given Guerrero the first call on the majority of his horses and explained what he saw in the talented rider.

“I took notice of him three years ago and told my owners that Jose was going to be the guy,” stated Wilson. “He was riding these 40 and 50-1 shots and out finishing much better horses. Always a hard worker, Jose was always first to arrive in the morning and would still be around when the  track closed.”

Last year, Wilson sat down with Guerrero and asked him if he knew the difference between being a jockey and a skilled race rider.

“Jose wasn’t really sure what I was getting at, but I told him that to win more races, he would have to learn to study, understand his competition and be able to make a plan,” explained Wilson.

Guerrero liked the idea, and got on board, ignoring teasing from plenty of folks on the backside asking him how his “film study” was going.

“Shane has given me so much confidence,” said Guerrero. “He saw something in me, and we have developed a strong working relationship. After I work horses, we watch replays and talk about what each horse does well and what I can do to win more races. Shane has taught me a lot.”

Steve Melancon is Guerrero’s agent and has booked him successfully with a number of trainers, including Patti Turner, Tim Dixon and Bob Schultz. He credits Turner for giving him mounts when he was just starting out.

“Patti is such a nice lady,” said Guerrero. “I began galloping for her when I was an apprentice and will alwaysremember Jack Be Quick when he was a 2-year-old. He was such a beautiful horse and winning on him was so special!”

Turner laughed when told that the Arkansas-bred son of Forefathers was one of Guerrero’s all-time favorite mounts.

“Jose fell in love with that horse,” recalled Turner. He would come to the barn and rub on Jack, who could be a little bit of a pill! It took a while for them to connect, but they ended up getting along well. I am happy for his success; Jose is a really good guy!”

He is a fulfilled young man away from the racetrack in a committed relationship with Jaqueline Edison and their young son, Matteo.

“There is always pressure,” admitted Guerrero. “Everyone wants to win, and someone is always trying to pass you. I’ve been in that position before, so I understand. I am not thinking ahead to the end of the meet. I am proud of how I am doing now and will continue to be positive.”

Louisiana Downs Post Time Adusted this Weekend

Post time on Saturday and Sunday has been moved to 4:15 pm (Central) due to excessive heat and will remain at 3:05 pm on Monday and Tuesday. The 2022 Thoroughbred meet at Louisiana Downs continues each Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday through September 27 For details on simulcasting and special events, visit ladowns.com.

Reels at the Races to Debut on Sunday, June 26

Louisiana Downs will host Reels at the Races on Sunday, June 26. The first live Thoroughbred race will take place at 4:15 pm (Central) and families are invited to enjoy the racing and events on the trackside apron, including music spun by a DJ, food trucks, face painting and more.  At dusk, the animated Disney film, “Encanto,” will be played on a big screen and families can bring lawn chairs and enjoy the movie.

About Louisiana Downs

Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and is now owned by Rubico Acquisition Corporation. With annual Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons, the track is committed to presenting the highest quality racing programs paired with its 150,000 square foot entertainment complex offering casino gambling, dining and plasma screen televisions for sports and simulcast racing.

JOCKEY JOSE GUERRERO BRINGING HOME THE LONGSHOTS AT HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS

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Bossier City, LA – There is no shortage of talented jockeys competing in the 2018 Thoroughbred racing season at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs. Several young riders are making a name for themselves including Jose Andres Guerrero

Born in Dolores Hidalgo in Central Mexico, Guerrero, 23, began galloping five years ago in Texas.

He got his license at 19 and was named on 11 horses in 2015. His first victory came in 2016 and he completed the year with a record of 31 wins, 40 seconds and 42 third-place finishes. He had a good season last year at Louisiana Downs, beginning the meet as an apprentice, and transitioning to the journeyman ranks last July. Guerrero finished the meet fifth in the standings with 57 wins.

He’s already won 16 races this meet and has scored with several longshots. On Monday, June 18, he tallied a very impressive score aboard first-time starter Acadian Driftwood for trainer Jerry Cart. The filly by Forefathers was entered in a $22,000 maiden special weight.

“We knew she was pretty good,” said Cart. “Jose had never worked her, so all I told him was to get her out to the lead.”

That did not happen, as she got pinched back out of the gate and was ninth in the early stages of the six furlong main track event.

“She took a bad step out of the gate,” explained Guerrero. “I just decided to be patient and see how she would recover. I got her to the outside and she did the rest.”

She advanced from last, passing three runners as she neared the turn, and took off at the top of the stretch, drawing clear by over seven lengths. Sent off at 17-1, Acadian Driftwood paid $37.20 for the $2 win ticket.

“The filly really showed me she could run,” said Guerrero.

Cart, who is also the co-breeder and owner of the chestnut filly, had praise for Guerrero.

“He’s a talented rider and has really improved in the last year,” he said.

Guerrero appreciates each of the trainers who name him and for the hard work of his agent, Steve Melancon. He is satisfied with his progress in the fourth year of his career.

“I’m doing what I love to do, every time I ride,” he explained. “My faith in God keeps me humble.  I wake up every morning, work hard and try to be strong and finish well.”

Guerrero joined millions of racing fans in watching the masterful run of Justify as he became just the 13th Triple Crown winner.

“Wow; that is an incredible horse,” said Guerrero. “And what a great ride by Mike Smith. I was at Lone Star last year when he came in to ride a stakes race. He is one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. I introduced myself and told him I had only been riding a few years. He was very encouraging and told me just to keep working hard.”

 

 

Trainer, Jockey and Owner Standings

As of June 20, Karl Broberg tops the trainer standings with 10 wins.  Joe O. Duhon and Henry E. Uriegas have each saddled nine winners to share second place. Danny Pish and Jorge Lara follow closely with eight wins each.

 

Big week for Emanuel Nieves who rode eight winners to take the lead from Richard Eramia. Nieves now tops the jockey standings with 25 wins. Eramia is second with 23 victories and Gerardo Mora follows with 20 wins. Joel Dominguez rounds out the top four with 17 trips to the winner’s circle.

 

End Zone Athletics, Inc. took sole possession of the lead in the owner standings with eight wins. Dream Walkin Farms, Inc. is second with seven victories and Jorge Gomez is next with five wins. Brittlyn Stable Inc, Patti Turner, P and D Racing Stables, Penny Scarberry, D & D Racing, Estate of William Gilmore, Eleuterio Martinez, Jr, Quail Ridge Farms of Hondo, LLC and Maxie Wayne Kitchings, Sr. follow with three wins each.

 

Wednesday and Saturday Race Day Promotions

Louisiana Downs offers value for racing fans each Wednesday with Dollar Day. They will be able to enjoy $1 hot dogs, $1 beer at the Paddock as well as $1 programs. Saturday’s weekly promotion is the Family Four Pack featuring four hot dogs, four sodas, a program, and a box seat for four at the affordable price of just $16.

 

The Total Rewards program is free for horseplayers. With the swipe of their card each Saturday, members will receive valuable incentives.  These include:

  • Play $250 or more to receive a 5X multiplier
  • Play $1,000 or more to receive a 7X multiplier
  • Play $5,000 or more to receive a 10X multiplier

Participant’s multiplier cannot exceed a total balance of more than one hundred thousand (100,000) Reward Credits during one promotional day after the multiplier is applied.

 

 

Post Times and Stakes Schedule

Live racing will be conducted Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and Saturday with a 3:15 p.m. (Central) post time through September 27.

 

The 84-day meet will include 14 stakes highlighted by two major events, Louisiana Cup Day on Saturday, August 4 and Super Derby Day on Sunday, September 2. As previously announced one major change for the upcoming season is that the Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby will return to the main track at a distance of a mile and one-sixteenth on Sunday, September 2.

 

About Harrah’s Louisiana Downs

Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and was purchased by Caesars Entertainment in December, 2002. With annual Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons, the track is committed to presenting the highest quality racing programs paired with its 150,000 square foot entertainment complex offering casino gambling, dining and plasma screen televisions for sports and simulcast racing.