ERNESTO VALDEZ-JIMENEZ WINS FOUR RACES, TRISTAN ASHFORD GOES 2-FOR-2, EARNING LIP CHIP HONORS AT REMINGTON PARK

Ernesto Valdez-Jimenez and Tristan Ashford are both fairly new to the Remington Park racing scene, but not so new that they can’t win Lip Chip Jockey and Trainer of the Week for their performances here Nov. 20-22.

Valdez-Jimenez won four times, was second twice and third another time in his 12 mounts and is starting to make a name for himself locally, riding at Remington Park for the first time. He had already raised some eyebrows in Texas with his riding talents. Valdez-Jimenez was a multiple stakes-winning jockey in the Lone Star State. Some of his most memorable rides down south below the Red River have come on Mr Money Bags for trainer Jaylan Clary and owner Erma Cobb. That horse, with Valdez-Jimenez up, has ruled Sam Houston Race Park, winning the 2024 Star of Texas Stakes, the 2022 Spirit of Texas Strakes and H-Town Stakes.

Valdez-Jimenez’s winners this past week were aboard Charming Tiger (claiming) and C’Mon Chaos (maiden) on Thursday night, followed by a trip to the winner’s circle Friday in the saddle of Iuka Miss (claiming). He then closed out the week with a victory, booting home Slades Tank (claiming). He rode Charming Tiger for trainer Jory Ferrell, C’Mon Chaos for trainer Terry Eoff, Iuka Miss for trainer Oscar Flores and Slades Tank for trainer Miguel Silva. becoming extremely popular with several barns.

Valdez-Jimenez is currently sixth in the jockeys’ standings with 30 wins. He joined the 30-win club along with riders No. 2-5 – David Cabrera, second (39), Stewart Elliott, third (38), Erik Asmussen, fourth (37) and Floyd Wethey, Jr., fifth (35). Ramon Vazquez leads the colony with 66 victories.

Ashford was, by far, the most efficient trainer on the backside this past week at Remington Park. He sent out only two horses, winning with both, and is quickly becoming more than trainer Ray Ashford’s son. Out to Party got the job done easily for Tristan Thursday night as he gave a leg up to jockey David Cabrera. This 3-year-old gelding won by 4-1/4 lengths in a one mile claiming $20,000 race for non-winners of two lifetime over a sloppy main track. Out to Party races for owner Bad Boy Racing.

Ashford’s second winner came Friday night with Jeri Dawn also winning in claiming company. Ashford had Iram Diego in the irons as the two paired up for a win by one length, going 6-1/2 furlongs on a muddy racing surface. Jeri Dawn, a 7-year-old mare, is owned by Richard Jones.

Remington Park racing resumes Friday and Saturday, Nov. 28 & 29, starting at 6pm-Central.

Remington Park has provided more than $399 Million to the State of Oklahoma general education fund since the opening of the casino in 2005. Located at the junction of Interstates 35 & 44, in the heart of the Oklahoma City Adventure District, Remington Park presents year-round simulcast racing and casino gaming. The 2025 Springboard Mile, a 2026 Kentucky Derby qualifying points race, takes place Saturday, Dec. 20, the final night of the Thoroughbred Season. Guests must be 18 or older to wager on horse racing or to enter the casino gaming floor. Visit remingtonpark.com for more information.

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