About Mark Guidry
Former American jockey Mark Guidry, who was born on August 6, 1959, is thought to be worth $1 million. On November 10, 2007, Guidry finished his career at Churchill Downs, where he won one of his final five races. He retired in the 21st spot among all-time North American riders with a total of 5,043 victories from 31,321 races. His eighth race triumph came while riding Eaton’s Gift. Guidry declared, “For 33 years, riding has been an honor and a pleasure; this is not something to be taken for granted. Without the support of the fans, racing would not be possible. I want to express my gratitude to the people who provided me with all of these opportunities and to the boys I rode with.”
Win #5000:
He accomplished a significant feat when he led the 6-year-old gelding Chippewa Trail to a 1/2-length victory in the opening race of the Kentucky Oaks day at Churchill Downs, a $55,000 1-mile optional claimer for older horses. Chippewa Trail is trained by D. Wayne Lukas. He stated: “Being at this point is fantastic. Sincerely, I believed a few horses had a better chance going into the race. I assumed we were finished when we reached the ninth pole. He then began to rush past them, and I immediately thought, “Oh, here we go, this is it!” It’s a wonderful feeling, a wonderful time in a wonderful career.”
Winner of the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award:
The 2006 George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award went to Mark Guidry, a native of Louisiana who started riding in 1974 and has won more than 4,700 races.
Guidry, 46, is the 57th recipient of the prize, which Santa Anita has given out each year since 1950 in commemoration of one of the best Thoroughbred jockeys in history.
Guidry will receive the Woolf Award on Sunday, March 12.
a Professional Highlight
The Woolf Award recognizes racers whose professional accomplishments and moral conduct are a credit to both the sport of racing and to themselves. One of the most prestigious prizes in racing, the winner has been chosen by jockey vote since 1985.
“This is the cherry on top. It surpasses all other achievements I’ve made in my career by a long shot “Guidry added. “You can only imagine having this. It’s unbelievable, and I appreciate you very much. It still defies belief.”
A Happy Cajun:
Guidry, who was raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, was quick to credit his background as a significant influence on his career. Guidry started riding at a young age, just like many of his fellow Cajuns. He rode in his first races at bush tracks when he was nine years old, and at the age of sixteen, while riding Tempermental Tom at Delta Downs, he won his first official race.
Rightly raised:
“Through the years a lot of riders from Louisiana have won the award, guys like Perret, Delahoussaye, Desormeaux, Albarado, and Sibille. I think a lot of it has to do with the way we were raised. We were taught to respect others, to treat others like you want to be treated. That kind of stuff is pounded into you, but the individual has to open up his heart and make the right choices. I’ve made some bad ones, but I’ve tried to learn from my mistakes and do the right thing.”
Male Family:
Guidry, his wife Tina, and their three kids, Fallon, Marcus, and Mecus, reside in Louisville, Kentucky. Currently based in Florida’s Gulfstream Park, he will return to Kentucky later this spring and ride there full-time.
A Prominent Career:
Before 1986, Guidry rode in Louisiana. Eventually, he moved his horse to Illinois’ Fairmount Park and then to racetracks in the Chicago area. He rapidly established himself as a powerful force in Chicago, where he won seven times at Hawthorne, nine times at Sportsman’s Park, and twice at Arlington International.
His top mounts included Buzzard’s Bay, who won the Grade I Santa Anita Derby, and Perfect Drift, with whom he won the Washington Park Handicap. Guidry’s horses earned a career-high $7,668,679 in 2005. (G2). Black Tie Affair, Buck’s Boy, Polar Expedition, Megans Bluff, Nite Dreamer, Chrysalis House, Celtic Melody, Balto Star, San Dare, Offlee Wild, Deputy Warlock, Political Attack, Riskaverse, Roses in May, and Sand Springs are just a few of the elite horses that Guidry has rode throughout his career.
He worked as a trainer for more than two years after retirement. Mark Guidry’s net worth is projected to reach $1 million as of 2023. Including three stakes victories on Louisiana Legends stakes day at Evangeline Downs, Guidry has five winners and three seconds in 2013.
