Martin Garcia (jockey)
| Martin Garcia | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Jockey |
| Born |
October 23, 1984 Veracruz, Mexico |
| Career wins | not found |
| Major racing wins, honours and awards | |
| Major racing wins | |
|
California Breeders' Cup Oaks (2006) Preakness Stakes (2010) Kentucky Oaks (2011) | |
| Significant horses | |
| Kinsale King, Lookin at Lucky, Conveyance | |
Martin Garcia (born in Veracruz, Mexico, on October 23, 1984) is a jockey in American Thoroughbred horse racing who rides from a base in Southern California.[1]
He emigrated to the United States in 2003 and went to work at a delicatessen in Pleasanton, California. The deli's owner, Teri Terry, introduced him to Mark Hanna, a former jockey, who helped him get started in horse racing as a stable hand and exercise rider. Garcia spent six months galloping horses before beginning to ride in races at Golden Gate Fields.[2]
On August 17, 2005, in his third race, Garcia took his first win while carrying the horse through the last furlong, riding Wild Daydreamer at the Bay Meadows Fair.[2]
He got his big break in the earlier part of 2006 by beating power house jockey Russell Baze for leading jockey at Golden Gate Fields as Baze had dominated that circuit and track. He also won a title at Bay Meadows.[3]
In April 2006, Garcia relocated to southern California. At the Hollywood Park Racetrack meet, he finished third behind Victor Espinoza and Patrick Valenzuela after riding 46 winning horses.[2]
On May 15, 2010, Garcia rode the Bob Baffert trainee Lookin at Lucky to win the 135th running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland.[4] On August 1, 2010, he rode the Bob Baffert trainee Lookin at Lucky to win the 43rd Haskell Invitational Handicap at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport, New Jersey.[5]
On May 6, 2011, Garcia rode the Bob Baffert-trained filly Plum Pretty to win the 137th Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs Racetrack in Kentucky.[6]
On May 7, 2011, Garcia rode the Bob Baffert-trained horse C J Russell to win the Twinspires.com race at Churchill Downs Racetrack in Kentucky.[7]
On July 31, 2011, Garcia rallied from last on the Bob Baffert-trainee Coil to win the 44th Haskell Invitational Handicap at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport, New Jersey.[8]
Other top mounts for Garcia include Somethingaboutlaura, Get Funky, Sweeter Still, Sierra Sweetie, Briecat, Z Humor, Dance With Gable, and Strawberry Tart. Garcia also was the back up jockey for Game On Dude the 3 time Breeder's Cup Classic participaint.
Year-end charts
| Chart (2006–present) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2006 | 36 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2007 | 57 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2008 | 70 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2009 | 71 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2010 | 9 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2011 | 13 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2012 | 21 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2013 | 14 |