Page 103 - March 2016

importance of staying healthy is a perspec- tive he can not lose. Just in recent years, Alfonso has missed time in the irons due to a broken ankle (2011), a broken collar bone (2013), and most seriously, a collapsed lung and broken ribs (2014). But, riders have an uncanny ability to face the omnipresent risk of bodily harm and, when weighed against their love of horses, choose to ride.
When asked what he likes the most about the racing industry, Alfonso maintains that
the love of horses is hard to beat. Never shying away from the tedious side of the job, he enjoys galloping and getting the horses ready to run. In addition, he says he loves the people that have become like family to him, Anna and the children. The least favorite part? Once his old- est started school, Anna and the kids stayed at their Elgin, Texas home. While they go to the races often, and Alfonso travels home on days the track is closed, having to spend time away from each other is the toughest part. No doubt, a career in racing is hard on a family man.
In closing, I asked Alfonso if a book were written about him, how would it be titled? “Riding on Faith” was his reply. “You can’t
lose the faith. In this sport, there will always be high times and low times. We just have to learn to let the low times fade away.” True in racing, true in life.
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Alfonso Lujan returning on Snowy Alibi after their win in the 2006 TQHA Sale Futurity at Sam Houston Race Park
A relationship that is paramount in helping a rider achieve these accolades is that which
he shares with his agent. A good jock’s agent becomes a catalyst when working with different
trainers, seeks the best mounts on behalf of the rider, and takes care of entries and other business in the racing office. During much of Alfonso’s career, Willie Hickman handled his business (or “book” as is an industry term). Since Willie’s return to employment at Sam Houston Race Park, Alfonso has relied on Freddie Carrier to handle his business.
Alfonso will be the first to tell you, though, that no relationship is more important than that which he shares with his wife and family. He and his wife Anna will be celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary in May. They are blessed with three children: Jocelyn, 11, AJ who is 9, and Coltin who is 3. Alfonso and Anna faced a tough challenge when their son AJ was diagnosed with autism as a toddler. The couple has faced the issue head on, and their dedication and steadfast faith has seen AJ reach milestones of his own.
When asked about his goals for the future, he said, “I hope to be able to continue to pro- vide for my family and instill a good work ethic for my kids. Also, teach them to always have faith in God, in the good times and in the hard times...I’ve had my share of both in this sport!”
Alfonso has other goals. He hopes to stay healthy enough to win one of the $1,000,000 races. Alfonso’s career has not been without serious injury, so the
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