Veteran Jockey Guidry Hanging Up His Tack
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Veteran Louisiana jockey Mark Guidry is putting the finishing touch on a 37-year riding career with three mounts Saturday, March 29, at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.
Guidry, 54, announced that he plans to become a jockey agent, taking the book of Carlos Marquez Jr. at Evangeline Downs.
Guidry ranks 22nd in all-time victories among jockeys with 5,222 wins from 32,376 mounts, good for total purse earnings of $106,355,135. He is named aboard Glen Warren and Andy Leggio's 9-5 morning line favorite Skip the Pinot in the Dixie Poker Stakes Saturday, and also has mounts in the sixth race aboard Purgenality and in the 12th on Taylor's Grand.
"I'm excited about my new career," said Guidry after winning the sixth race at Fair Grounds March 27 aboard Ron Faucheux and Thomas Arnaud's Off Cycle. "It's time for me to stay around my home in the Lafayette area and spend more time with my family.
"However, I do want to thank all the Louisiana horsemen who have supported me throughout my career and put me on their horses. I really can't thank them enough for all they've done for me."
Guidry retired once previously following the 2007 season, but returned to the saddle in 2011 after trying his hand for a couple of years as a trainer. He had 30 lifetime wins as a trainer from 301 starters.