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career by winning the Los Alamitos Winter Championship Stakes-G1.
Flokie, a 2017 gelding by Favorite Cartel and out of the Check Him Out daughter Lady Nayen, was another of Jose’s charges to win the Ed Burke Million Futurity-G1. In two years racing, Flokie also ran third in the PCQHRA Breeders’ Futurity-G2 and the Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity-G1 and qualified to the El Primero Del Ano Derby-G3.
Owned by Guadalupe Bujanda and
J. Francisco Diaz, Flokie ran nine races, winning five and running third twice, with earnings of $711,819.
HIS MANY SUPPORTERS
Jose credits all the people he has associated with in the racing industry for his success. “I was a good friend of Blane Schvaneveldt and he always gave me good pointers,” he says. “Also, Bobby Adair back when he was outriding; and Doc Allred because of how he has always tried to make Los Alamitos better for everyone involved; Paul Jones; Jaime Gomez; the late Roger Stein; and also people like Caesar Dominguez in the Thoroughbreds back when I first started there.”
He also appreciates the support of his many owners and partners: Mike Abraham; Balgo Racing Team; the late Dr. Glenn Blodgett; Guadalupe Bujanda; Dr. Steve and Jo Burns; DAKA Corporations; J. Francisco Diaz; Vince Genco; Brad and Robin Hart; Junior Quarter Horses Inc.; Mr. Mecedo from Brazil; Don, Kathy and Shawn Meneely; Steve Mickaelian; Ricardo Ramirez; George Seward; Silver Racing Farm; Johnny Trotter, George Villalobos; and Marta and Mark Winslow.
“My biggest success is getting to a place where I’m associated with so many great people and great horses in this industry,” he says. “Winning the [2022 Leading Trainer] title at Los Alamitos is a really big accomplishment for me, in addition to winning the races that are very hard to win, and also balancing everything at home. And just being okay with everyone I’m associated with is very fulfilling to me.”
OFF THE TRACK
When he’s not at work, Jose spends his time at home with his family: his wife, Lupita; and his daughters, Jocelyn, 22, who is pursuing a master’s degree to become a physician assistant;
and Brianna, 17, who is planning to pursue a career in engineering. “My daughters and my wife have always enjoyed the horses and are my greatest fans at all the races,” Jose says.
“Lupita has been one of my greatest supports throughout my whole career,” he adds. “It wouldn’t have been possible without her support in the good and the bad times. And she has dedicated her time in raising our two girls, who have grown up to be amazing and kind human beings.”
Jose also shares his gratitude for his parents. “My dad is a big, big cornerstone of my operation; he’s a true horseman and when
I need him, he’s always there, working hard,” Jose says. “And I’m thankful to my mom for all the talks and prayers. They have played a large role in my success, and I appreciate all they have done for me. My success is also theirs.”
“I want to keep doing what I’m doing and thank God that I can get up every day and do what I love to do,” he says. “If I could keep doing it for the rest of my life, that’d be okay with me. There comes a time when you have to call it quits, but right now, I hope to do it for as many years as I’m here on this earth.”
“My biggest success is getting to a place where I’m associated with so many great people and great horses in this industry.” – Jose Flores
Los Alamitos
Flokie winning the 2019 Ed Burke Million Futurity-G1.
92 SPEEDHORSE March 2023