Page 59 - January 2016 Speedhorse

HIS DREAM OF A CHAMPION
Juan, who grew up in Sinaloa, Mexico, got
his first horse — named El Colorado — at age 8, bought by his father for him and his brother César. The boys kept the horse at their grandfather’s ranch and went to ride him every weekend.
“My parents didn’t have the opportunity to go to school,” Juan relates. “My father read a little, but my mother could neither read nor write. So it’s amazing how they were able to give me, my brother and my four sisters a great education and a huge love for family and work. They taught
all of us to be good people who are humble, respectful and honest. And they supported all of us to study and find a career.”
Juan earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and in 1988, after playing basketball and soccer on a third division professional team in Sinaloa, started a plumbing and electrical business, which he still owns today.
After he became involved in horse racing, Juan’s studies expanded to race performances, pedigrees, trainers and records. “I always had the dream of finding a horse that could break through and win us a stakes race,” he says. “My dream was to have a champion.”
Studying, however, was only one ingredient in Juan’s formula for success. “I haven’t ever met anybody with that much luck in horse racing,” laughs Aleman. “It’s unbelievable!” Call it luck or call it divine blessings that have flowed from honesty, faith, gratitude and diligent effort, Juan has been richly rewarded in the racing business.
A NEW HOPE
In April 2000, Juan married Armida Perez. “She was the greatest blessing that God has given me,” Juan says. “She has been an excellent wife and mother, loves horses and has always helped me make decisions. She has always supported me and she has incredible faith and is very positive about the future.”
Juan and Armida have four children, all of whom love the horse racing operation: Marbella, 14; Itzel, 11; Maily, 6; and Juanito, 3.
The Tirado family – Maily, 6, Marbella, 14, Juan and Armida, Juanito, 3, and Itzel, 11.
Juan Tirado’s racing facility Apollitical Ranch
SPEEDHORSE, January 2016 57