When the racing season opened and I accepted the offer to do this Rockin' with Rick blog, I promised myself one thing. Since I am directly involved in the everyday racing here at the Fair Grounds, I promised myself I would not blog about anything that could be considered self-serving. So far, I'm positive I haven't written anything that could be considered self-serving. This blog, however, is about Richard Eramia, a newcomer to the jockey's room and I just happen to work for him as his agent. Richard Eramia is new to the Fair Grounds riding colony and after 36 days of racing deserves a shout-out. He deserves this shout-out because he's competing on a high level with what I consider to be one of the toughest group of riders in the country. Richard is currently 8th in the standings with a record of 18 wins, 10 seconds and 22 thirds from 152 mounts with earnings of $535,974. Not bad for a guy that was relatively unknown when this meet opened on November 6th. Before I continue, let me stress that Richard's success is linked directly to his work ethic and his ability to ride race horses. Richard, 30 years-old and a native of Uruguay, has been riding competitively since 1995. "I started riding in my country at a young age and I've probably won between 1000 and 1100 races, but I've always had the plan to come to the United States to ride. So, four years ago, I decided to make the move and wound-up in Shreveport at Louisiana Downs. I only rode at Louisiana Downs for a short time and then moved to the Texas circuit. I did well in Texas for those few years, but decided this past summer to come back to Shreveport to try the Louisiana Downs - Fair Grounds circuit. I really didn't know what to expect, but it has really worked out well." Richard feels like his first venture to the Fair Grounds has turned out better than he could have hoped for. "I knew coming here was going to be tough. This group of jockeys is the toughest I've ever ridden with. I've never ridden with a list of riders that is so deep with talent. A trainer can go 10-12 deep and still get a really good rider. We came here with a little business and we've been working to get to know some of the trainers that I've never been around. Riding for trainers like Tom Amoss, Michelle Lovell, Sweet Hodges, Bunky Richards, Mike Burgess and Sam David has really helped me a lot. In my morning rounds I've been checking with some of the Kentucky trainers like Steve Margolis, Merrill Scherer and Mike Stidham and I'm trying to convince them to just give me a shot on one horse." The past summer racing season at Louisiana Downs really laid the groundwork for what looks like is going to be a productive Fair Grounds meeting. "This summer was really a season to get to know the trainers and get them to know me. We finished 7th in the standings and won 44 races, but the connections we made were very important. I rode for a lot of different trainers and that has helped us here." One of those trainers that Richard rode for on a regular basis was Steve Duke. Steve, who is actually stabled at Delta Downs for the winter, shipped-in last Thursday to win the filly division of the Louisiana Futurity with The Rumors True. "Steve's filly is a nice horse and has a big future. We won the Happy Ticket Stakes at Louisiana Downs this summer, we were second in the Louisiana Jewel at Delta back in November and then won the Futurity here last week." According to to Steve, The Rumors True's next start will be probably be on February 6th (Premier Night) at Delta in the Premier Starlet at seven furlongs. Last week Richard was also the winning rider in the Furl Sail Handicap aboard Category Seven for trainer Kenny Hargraves. Only difference was this win came via disqualification after finishing second behind Never Retreat. "Category Seven ran her usual great race, but she kinda waits on horses when she makes the lead. James' (Graham) horse came on the inside of me and was getting out the last 100 yards or so and kept pushing me out. I felt like I had to claim foul and the stewards even hung the inquiry sign and then eventually disqualified James and Never Retreat. I felt bad for them, but it's part of this business. I was just coming off of a seven day suspension for being dq'd myself. Unfortunately, it happens." As for the remainder of this meet and the year of 2010, who knows what the future holds for Richard. "The New Year has started off on a positive note, so I'm just hoping to keep things going in the right direction. Riding here at the Fair Grounds, with these riders, is going to make me a better rider." At the conclusion of this meet, Richard plans to ride the first month or so at Evangeline Downs, return to Louisiana Downs for the summer meeting and then come back here to the Fair Grounds for the winter. "I'm really looking forward to this summer because of all the connections we've made for both Evangeline Downs and Louisiana Downs. This Louisiana circuit looks like it's going to work out well for us, so I'm especially looking forward to coming back here next year.". Richard Eramia really is the new kid in town and I'm hoping that just like the words in the Eagles song - everybody's talking bout the new kid in town - is true. I really hope so, because Richard is a really good guy, a hard worker and can ride. If that sounds self-serving, then I'm guilty. Thanks for listening.
