Eswan Flores Savors First Win

Apprentice jockey Eswan Flores, who recorded his first thoroughbred victory aboard Kelly Leak in a six-furlong turf race Monday, was still accepting congratulations in the stable area Wednesday.

“I had a good night’s sleep,” said the 18-year-old high school senior from El Monte when asked how he celebrated his maiden score.

Agent Derek Lawson explained that Flores needed the rest. “He had ridden Saturday and Sunday nights at Los Alamitos and got up Monday morning to get on seven horses at Santa Anita. “I gave him Tuesday off and told him to relax.”

Flores, who had ridden 21 previous winners in quarter horse races at Los Alamitos, had never ridden on turf before his date with destiny aboard Kelly Leak. He looked like a seasoned pro, taking him back along the rail, saving ground and waiting patiently for an opening between horses in the stretch.

“I got some advice on how to ride the turf in the jockeys’ room,” explained Flores. “Octavio Vergara said not to stay too far off the rail.”

Lawson quipped, “The only time he had been on grass before was when he was mowing it in his yard.”

Flores will be back in action with one mount Thursday, two Friday night and four Saturday.