Apprentice Orozco Wins First Race at GGF

Apprentice jockey Kevin Orozco won the first race of his career Feb. 19 aboard Elle Woods Too in finale at Golden Gate Fields.

 

Orozco, 19, went immediately to the lead aboard Elle Woods Too, who was cutting back in distance off a pair of route tries. Flying Tee offered a challenge in the stretch, but Elle Woods Too held firm to prevail by a length in the six-furlong maiden special weight for fillies and mares.

 

"I took a quick look back and I heard (Flying Tee) coming behind me, but it wasn't enough to catch me," Orozco said.

 

Elle Woods Too, the most experienced runner in the field with 18 previous starts, returned $15.40 at 6-1 odds.

 

Sherrie Monroe trains Elle Woods Too for owner/breeder Peter Kay. Orozco exercises Monroe's horses, including Elle Woods Too.

 

"I take (Elle Woods Too) out every morning," Orozco said. "I try to relax her. In the race I tried to do the same thing and keep her relaxed the whole way."

 

Orozco hails from El Mirage, Calif. and comes from a racing family. His brother, Irving Orozco, has competed at Golden Gate, most recently Nov. 27.

 

"My parents have been working in racing on the backside for more than 40 years," Orozco said. "My grandfather has been a groom for a long time. Ever since I was little we would go to Del Mar."