Hawthorne Racecourse (4/27/12)
Contact: Ron Uchman
(708) 780-3700
Francisco Torres Rides Six Winners On One Card
EXCLAMATION POINT!
The trials and tribulations of rider Francisco Torres’ career have been abundantly covered, most recently by a Hawthorne program cover, but this talented jockey, who has been leading in the standings since fairly in the meet, showed just why so many continue to give him a chance despite his checkered past.
Mr. Torres had a career day at Hawthorne on Friday, just three days before the end of the meet.
He was listed to ride all nine races. His chances were compromised in the first when he and his mount, A Brush of Beauty, had considerable traffic problems but after that he went on a major roll.
He rode four straight winners, the second through the fifth. The $2 Pick 4 for those races paid $2,611.80. The internal $2 Pick 3s paid (2-4) $212.80 and (3-5) $145.60. He booted home two more winners on the afternoon, giving him six for the day.
Only one rider, Johnny Heckmann on October 1, 1956, won more. He scored with seven winners, only one favorite, on that day. Only two others, Chris Emigh and Tanner Riggs won with six.
“I couldn’t have done this without the horsemen. My hat is off to them and I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart.
“I had some trouble in the first. I kind of beat myself up for that ride. I didn’t do what I could have, what I should have. But, I shook it off and came back in the second race and everything fell in place.
“This was a great day for me but also a sad day,” said Torres tearfully. “We lost Eddie Razo this week. He was a good friend, a brother, a comrade. Just an all around good guy. He was the person that would come to you if you were down and try to cheer you up. He would tell you that nothing could be that bad. He’s in our hearts and in our prayers.”
Torres winners: 2nd race Hangover Cure $21.40, 3rd race Justa Average Joe $2.60, 4th race Maritime Man $11.00, 5th race Turn N’ Fire $20.00, 7th race Eyema Delight $7.80, 8th race $25.00. He also finished second with Afleet Paddy in the sixth.
Hawthorne Race Course races Wednesday and Friday through Sunday through April 29. First post daily for the spring is 1:40 pm. Hawthorne Race Course is located in Stickney IL at 3501 S. Laramie Ave. For information on live racing or groups at Hawthorne Race Course, contact Hawthorne at 708-780-3700 or visit Hawthorne online at www.Hawthorneracecourse.com.
