Page 31 - February 2021

Rodriguez is off to a fast start in 2022, riding five different winners on the Jan. 26 card at Louisiana Downs.
“I was happy. I thought I was just going to win one that day. Winning five was a lot better,” Rodriguez said. “Every time I ride, I try to win.”
In between trips to the winner’s circle, Rodriguez made some time to be the subject of this month’s Backside feature here at Speedhorse. This interview was conducted through the assistance of an interpreter.
WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST MOMENT OF YOUR 2021 SEASON?
“Definitely the [Louisiana] Million, but it doesn’t feel any different, winning a race from a $5000 claiming or the Million. I do it out of joy.”
YOU’VE GOT TWO BROTHERS [JOSE AND LEO] WHO ALSO ARE JOCKEYS AND GREW UP AROUND HORSES. CAN YOU SHARE ANY MEMORIES FROM THAT TIME?
“I enjoy riding along with them. It’s something they started young as well. I like to see them do good. Even if they’re in the same race and they win, it’s joyful for me.”
HOW YOUNG WERE YOU WHEN YOU STARTED RIDING?
“I was 12 years old.”
WHEN DID YOU DECIDE YOU WANTED TO BE A JOCKEY?
“Ever since I was in Mexico, I wanted to do this. I just didn’t have much chance to do that over there until I came on to [the United States].”
ONCE YOU CAME HERE, HOW DID YOU GET THAT FIRST CHANCE TO
BE A JOCKEY?
“I teamed up with Erasmo Hernandez and Alfonso Lujan and started helping them. I was just galloping horses. They’re the ones that gave me a shot.”
ANY OTHER MENTORS IN
THE SPORT?
“Martin Trejo. Lanny Keith. And definitely my agent, Gerald Thomas, aka ‘Little G.’ And my brothers helped me out along the way, teaming up and galloping horses together and giving me a hand.”
WHAT’S YOUR ROUTINE ON RACE DAY?
“Even on race days my agent doesn’t cut me any slack. 12 to 13 to gallop in the morning and warm up my legs a little bit. And then I can still go out there and win five races.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TRACK AND WHY?
“I couldn’t pick a favorite. What I like to do is ride the horse. Any track is the same to me— just as long as I am doing what I like to do.”
HOW ABOUT A FAVORITE HORSE, OR IS THAT THE SAME ANSWER?
“I feel like all the horses are the same to me, but Blood Money was good to me, so I have to go with that one.”
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR 2022?
“I try not to set any goals. That way I just go as it comes. Just as long as God has me in His hands, everything is good. I’m happy.”
THE BACKSIDE
Everardo Rodriguez after riding Shesa Knockoutcartel to victory in the Louisiana Juvenile.
SPEEDHORSE February 2022 29
Martha Claussen, Everado Rodriguez and Paula Tindall
Susan Bachelor, Speedhorse
Susan Bachelor, Speedhorse