Page 143 - April2022

THE BACKSIDE
“Trying to be the youngest jockey to win a futurity. That’s my goal—a graded stakes race. I know it’s a pretty big thing, but I’m going to try.”
What’s the toughest part about being at the track so much while being a teenager?
“That’s actually pretty tough. Today [Wednesday], for example, I rode, and whenever I ride on Sundays, I have to be back at school by Monday. It’s five or six hours from home. I get to school sometimes and I’m pretty exhausted. I still have pretty high grades and I still try.”
It’s a lot of sacrifice, too, I imagine.
“A lot of sacrifice and my dad tells me if I don’t pass, I don’t get to ride.
That sounds like pretty good motivation.
“Oh, yes, sir.”
What do your friends and your teachers think about this?
“They think it’s pretty unique. They
David with Ddeez Kiss My Dash’s winning connections, including owner Jose Montoya and trainer Pedro Lopez.
think it’s pretty cool. I really don’t like to talk about it at school, but some people find out in Google and social media. Most of my friends support me.”
To win so soon, did that take some pressure off?
“It took a lot of pressure off. It took the monkey off my back.”
Take me through that day of your first race. Were you nervous?
“I actually wasn’t nervous. I was excited. I was excited about riding, and my first mount. I was [in the gates] right beside my dad, too. That’s what I was most excited about. I just wanted to beat my dad.”
Did you?
“Yes sir, I did. I ran second.”
Is it a pretty competitive family?
“It actually is. For example, today we rode, and I rode beside him again and he beat me by like a nose. We’re always trying to go 1-2, you know?”
Anybody else who’s helped you get to this point?
“My mom, Wendy Siqueiroa, she motivates me a lot. My uncle, Jose Alvarez.
You’re just starting out and really young, but what goals do you have? “Trying to be the youngest jockey to win a
futurity. That’s my goal—a graded stakes race. I know it’s a pretty big thing, but I’m going to try.”
Anything else you’d like to say?
“I just want to thank all the trainers for giving me a chance, with me being so young, and giving me a chance to ride.”
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Hodges Photography