Salgado Wins First Race at Indiana Grand

Miguel Salgado, apprentice rider from Mexico, recorded his first career win at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino Friday, Aug. 15. The rider piloted Rhythm Mabee to his first win of 2014 in the evening’s eighth race.

Rhythm Mabee broke from post four in the six-furlong sprint and remained in the center of the eight-horse field down the backstretch. The three-year-old Mr. Mabee gelding began to rally in the turn and was able to put the field at his heels in the stretch, rolling home a winner by one length over Its Trouble and Alejandro Contreras. Two Stash and Francisco Torres finished third.

“I was happy to break my maiden,” said Salgado. “When the gates broke, I had in my head that I would win the race. The race set up like I hoped so, and I stayed behind nice and calm. When I called on the horse (Rhythm Mabee) at the right moment, he came speeding like a bullet. I appreciate the opportunity to ride him and hope I can ride him again.”

Rhythm Mabee is owned by Kevin and Louie Annee and Gale Bess’ Lake Shore Farm. The Indiana bred was making his second start for trainer Ron Brown, finishing fourth in his first try for Salgado. With two career wins now to his credit, Rhythm Mabee has more than $28,000 in career earnings.

When Salgado arrived back in the paddock, he was greeted by the entire jockey colony. They conducted the customary initiation for a jockey after a first race.

“I had no idea that they (the jockeys) did that because I never had a win before,” said Salgado. “They had the hose and threw buckets of water on me and there was more inside the room. I didn’t expect it but I was thrilled and happy to get the win so it was worth it.”