.png)
SELMA – The 2023 Quarter Horse live racing season kicks off on Thursday, June 29 and despite the nationally reported heatwave in Texas, the enthusiasm is high for the 23-day meet. Post time is set for 6:15 pm with the season concluding on Saturday, August 19.
Racing fans will have an opportunity to see some standout Texas-bred Quarter Horse veterans and plenty of rising stars at Retama Park. The annual TQHA Yearling Sale, held at the Freeman Center in San Antonio, had a banner year last July and the yearlings who passed through the sale ring will have an opportunity to graduate to a new level in the TQHA Sale Futurity on July 29. The pride of each breeder, owner and trainer will be on display that night.
Up-and-coming Quarter Horse jockey Ali Rivera will return in search of his second leading rider title at a Texas track this year. The 21-year-old, from Elgin, Texas, began riding just three years ago, learning the ropes from his father, Eleazar, a jockey who still rides on the Texas circuit. One of the first trainers to recognize his potential was Angel Sanchez, but Rivera gained the trust of a number of horsemen with his work ethic.
Arriving early each morning for work was vital for Rivera as learning as much as possible about each mount pays off as they head to the racetrack in the evenings. In his first season riding at Retama Park, he won just 3 races. Last year, he finished second in the standings with 20 trips to the winner’s circle. His 2022 stakes wins included the Tower of America Stakes and TQHA550 with Big Dynasty and the TQHA Classic aboard Famous Chief.
Just last month, he claimed his second leading rider title at Sam Houston Race Park, winning 33 races, and showcasing his riding prowess throughout the meet. One of the most exciting finishes of the closing night card came in the Willie Hickman Memorial Stakes in which Rivera guided his mount Jess Good Leader to the lead, holding off a hold off a furious late rally by the accomplished Jet Black Grace. It was the first stakes win by the 4-year-old bred and owned by Pete Scarmardo and trained by John Stinebaugh. They continue to be strong supporters of Rivera.
The young rider’s agent, Aubrey Vega, books his mounts and you can be assured that he will be named on horses in pretty much every race this meet at Retama.
“Ali is a young, talented guy,” said trainer Gilberto Gonzalez. “He is very responsible and arrives early to work horses. I am very happy to have him ride for me. It’s easy to see that he loves being a jockey.”
In his third year as a jockey, Rivera has ridden 1,139 mounts with a career record of 163 wins, 156 seconds and 144 third-place finishes with earnings of $3.2 million. He broke his clavicle in an accident at Lone Star Park last December, but two months later returned to action at Louisiana Downs before defending his title at Sam Houston Race Park.
Rivera has a solid bond with fellow rider Francisco Calderon, who also began his career in Texas. Calderon was also a leading rider in Texas before advancing to ride at Remington and finish his year at Ruidoso Downs. Honored as AQHA Champion Rider in 2017, Calderon has piloted over 800 winners, including millionaire Jess Savin Candy.
“I’ve known Ali since he began galloping horses,” explained Calderon. “He got his license at Retama and we both worked horses for Angel (Sanchez) and (the late) Leon Bard. We were roommates last year at Lone Star as it’s tough for my wife and kids to travel. He’s a good kid!”
And on opening night at Retama Park, the two talented Texans will ride against each other in the $40,000 La Villita Stakes.
Grateful for his success, Calderon is pleased to return to Retama Park and spend some quality time with his wife, Valerie, and two children.
“My success at Remington Park and Ruidoso has been amazing,” stated Calderon. “But San Antonio is home for me and I always love riding at Retama.”
Humility and devotion to family are two qualities that both Rivera and Calderon share. Rivera, accepted his leading jockey award at Sam Houston, accompanied by his mother, Araceli, and siblings, Oscar and Lesli.
Rivera turned 21 on March 28, and while the majority of young adults look forward to elaborate parties when they finally reach that milestone, he was asked how he celebrated turning 21.
“I didn’t,’ he replied. “I was working!”
