(Houston, Texas - Thursday, June 6, 2024) - From opening day of the 2024 Quarter Horse meet at Sam Houston Race Park, jockey Luis Vivanco came out with a renewed passion and work ethic, and with just seven days remaining in the season, he has built an insurmountable lead over his fellow riders. He already has 36 wins this season in Houston; 18 more that Victor Urieta, Jr. Vivanco is named on 17 mounts this week and will be a force through June 15, the final night of the season. Trainer Isidro Hinojosa translated for Vivanco after works Wednesday morning as he was asked to comment on his resurgence in 2024.

“I owe this to God,” explained Vivanco. “I have changed my life and put my family and career first. Many trainers, including Toby Keeton, saw my commitment and I want to work hard for each horseman that has trusted me to ride their horses.”

The native of Vera Cruz, Mexico, began riding professionally in 2007. Texas has always been his preferred circuit and he has ridden 7,125 horses, with 1,172 victories and purses in excess of $15 million.

Vivanco, 41, has won three leading rider titles here, beginning in 2011 and 2013. He clinched the title again in 2014 when he guided Kiss My Hocks to victory in the Sam Houston Futurity for owners Conda Maze and Tyler Graham. In his debut, the son of Tempting Dash set a new 330-yard track record of :16.433 seconds in his trial for the prestigious championship. That record, set on March 29, 2014, still stands.

Just last weekend, Vivanco set another track record at Sam Houston Race Park aboard Cowgurl Up for breeder and owner P and D Racing. Ltd. Sired by Flying Cowboy 123, she competed in last year’s trials for the Sam Houston Futurity, broke her maiden this year on May 9 and unleashed a powerful closing kick here on June 1 in the ninth race, setting a new 350-yard track record of :17.193 seconds. The previous record of :17.238 seconds was set by Sarah Must on March 30, 2012.

Both horses are trained by Toby Keeton and Vivanco shared his reaction to the major accomplishment of setting two track records.

“Kiss My Hocks was unbelievable and riding him in the early part of his career was something I will never forget,” said Vivanco. “We knew Cowgurl Up was talented, but she surprised the heck out of me! What happened in a few seconds was beyond imagination!”

Vivanco had experienced it before, but maybe at this juncture of his career, these milestone events take on an even deeper meaning.

“I didn’t sleep well Saturday night,” he added. “I thought about it so many times and felt so blessed that I have ridden such great horses. There are many great riders out there, but you can’t be successful without good mounts and trainers who believe in you.”

Toby Keeton, who is currently the leading North American Quarter Horse trainer by wins (63), is proud of Vivanco.

“He’s working hard and riding better than ever,” stated Keeton.

Vivanco and his wife and two children reside in Poteet, Texas. He treasures his time with his family and looks forward to being a little closer to home this summer when the Retama Park season begins on June 27.

Trainer Hinojsa has been a friend of Vivanco for two decades.

“Of course, most fans know that Luis as a really talented jockey,” he said. “He is also a devoted family man and a heck of a cook!”