Son Wins 'Lopez Battle' at Golden Gate Fields

Apprentice jockey David Lopez won the "Lopez Family Riding Battle" at Golden Gate Fields May 29, when he finished a clear second in the sixth race aboard The Alameda Kid, while older brother Erick Lopez took third aboard High Greely and their father C. C. Lopez finished fourth with Time to Glow .



The mile race for $3,200 claimers marked the first time that all three family members competed against each other in a race. Erick and his father battled down the stretch for the show spot, with Erick and High Greely prevailing by a head over C. C. and Time to Glow in a photo finish.



Jockey Pedro Terrero won the race in front-running fashion aboard 6-5 favorite Smart Ellis, but David won the race within the race. 



"I got the bragging rights for today," David said. "I just made sure they didn't get by me. I was still trying to catch (Smart Ellis). I couldn't do it, but these guys didn't get by me."



C. C. joked about being upset with Erick for nailing him on the wire for show money.



"How about that... a little disrespectful," the elder Lopez said.  "I'll have to have a talk with him in the jock's room."



David, 25, and Erick, 27, both said the race was "a dream come true." C. C., a 54-year-old veteran who has primarily campaigned on the New York-New Jersey circuit, agreed.

 

"I probably enjoyed it more than anybody," said C. C., who came out to visit his sons after winning the Lone Star Park Handicap (gr. III) in Texas May 25. "It's a great friendly, family rivalry. It's a privilege and it's an honor, especially at a track where David is doing so, so well."



David, who won five races at Golden Gate May 24, ranks fourth in the jockey standings with 65 victories.