Working 11 years for perennial track champion Gerald Bennett gave first-year Tampa Bay Downs trainer Alejandro Olais Mendieta sharp insight into the importance of dedication, attention to detail and recognizing each horse’s individual needs. What being with Bennett...
After beginning her career 0-for-4, 3-year-old Florida-bred filly Hopesndreams has turned Tampa Bay Downs into her own personal playground this season. The daughter of Ride On Curlin-Exchangeable, by Exchange Rate, won for the fourth time from five starts at the meet...
Before arriving at Tampa Bay Downs last fall for the current meet, Jesus Castanon discussed the possibility of retirement with his wife, former jockey Rolanda Simpson. “This sport gets in your blood, and I don’t know what I’ll do when I decide to stop,” said Castanon,...
Kathleen O’Connell moved ever closer to her third Tampa Bay Downs training title, winning the sixth race with her 3-year-old Florida-bred filly Bucchanera. Winning for the first time in four career starts, the winner paid $37.40 in defeating 11 other maiden sophomore...
Missing almost 11 weeks with a broken left wrist sustained in a training accident on Nov. 26 turned into an opportunity for Boot Barn Jockey of the Month Pablo Morales to draw closer to his family. “I’d never had a wrist injury before, and I thought it would be about...
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