Jockey Rodrigo Vallejo Off to a Great Start in 2017
Rodrigo Vallejo is one of the top Quarter Horse riders in the country
Rodrigo Vallejo is always a rider to watch during the Quarter Horse racing season at Sam Houston Race Park. He finished the 2016 meet in a tie with Luis Vivanco, and looks likely for another title at the northwest Houston racetrack.
He rides first call for AQHA champion trainer Judd Kearl and will have 16 mounts Friday and Saturday night at Sam Houston Race Park, which are all trials for the $485,000 Sam Houston Futurity. Vallejo has four victories in the stakes, which is the richest race of the annual Houston Quarter Horse meet. He won his first with Royal Shake Em (1996), Azoom (2004) All American Winner (2005) and Jess Tee Off (2011).
The 51-year-old rider, who was born in Jalisco, Mexico, rides 2016 AQHA world champion Jessies First Down, who won his trial on March 31 for the $103,000 Bank of America Texas Challenge. The 6-year-old son of Fdd Dynasty is trained by Kearl and will return for the 440 yard final on April 22.
He rides first call for AQHA champion trainer Judd Kearl and will have 16 mounts Friday and Saturday night at Sam Houston Race Park, which are all trials for the $485,000 Sam Houston Futurity. Vallejo has four victories in the stakes, which is the richest race of the annual Houston Quarter Horse meet. He won his first with Royal Shake Em (1996), Azoom (2004) All American Winner (2005) and Jess Tee Off (2011).
The 51-year-old rider, who was born in Jalisco, Mexico, rides 2016 AQHA world champion Jessies First Down, who won his trial on March 31 for the $103,000 Bank of America Texas Challenge. The 6-year-old son of Fdd Dynasty is trained by Kearl and will return for the 440 yard final on April 22.
Vallejo is the regular rider aboard 2016 AQHA world champion Jessies First Down
Vallejo made his Texas debut in 1995 at Trinity Meadows. He has been named on horses in prestigious national racing events including the All American Futurity at Ruidoso Downs, the Heritage Place Futurity at Remington Park and the Bank of America Challenge Championship. He has ridden over 7,500 horses in his career with 1,271 victories and purses in excess of $19 million.
The veteran rider will divide his time at Sam Houston Race Park through May 22 and Remington Park, which continues until June 3.
The veteran rider will divide his time at Sam Houston Race Park through May 22 and Remington Park, which continues until June 3.
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