James Lewis | Email news tips to jlewis@cknw.com
7/2/2012
They call him "Super Mario..."
Locally-trained jockey Mario Gutierrez has returned to Hastings Park.
It's his first appearance on Canadian soil since his magical run at horse racing's Triple Crown.
Gutierrez rode horse "I'll Have Another" to wins in both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes , before injury forced the horse to retire before the Belmont.
The 25-year old, who now rides at American tracks, says it's good to be back in Vancouver.
"I couldn't wait to be here! I feel so happy to be here and I can't wait to go out there and just do what I used to do... just ride with the jockeys, and just being here, being at Hastings... it's an honour."
Gutierrez adds he still sees "I'll Have Another" on a regular basis.
Hastings Park management have also presented him with a custom jockey statue, in Gutierrez's traditional colours -- purple and white.
Gutierrez rides in two races this afternoon.
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