2018 Eclipse Awards: Reylu Gutierrez

Apprentice jockey Reylu Gutierrez took a somewhat unconventional path to the starting gate despite the fact that he is a son of a trainer. Gutierrez secured a college degree before he pursued a career in the saddle.

The approach proved effective.

Gutierrez is a finalist for the Eclipse Award for outstanding apprentice of 2018 after a year in which he won 109 races and had mount earnings of $3,360,314. His wins and earnings ranked second among all apprentices in 2018.

Gutierrez, 22, is a native of Rochester, N.Y., and a graduate of Cortland State University, where he earned a degree in exercise physiology. He is the son of trainer Luis Gutierrez and the nephew of jockey Jose Gutierrez.

“Just growing up around horses my whole life, I learned to work hard,” Reylu Gutierrez told Gulfstream Park publicity. “My parents always instilled that in me. I would drive home weekends from college and told them I wanted to be a jockey. They said, ‘You’ve got to bring us your four-year degree, then we’ll push you to reach your dreams.’ I’m very thankful for that.”

:: 2018 Eclipse Finalists: Profiles and photos for all categories

Gutierrez won his first stakes race with his first stakes mount, aboard Susie Bee ($32) in the $75,000 Powder Break on April 28 at Gulfstream. He picked up his second stakes win Dec. 31 with Not That Brady in the $102,000 Damon Runyon at Aqueduct. The year-end score was particularly special for the rider whose first win came at Finger Lakes.

“I tried to be as professional as I could after the wire and keep my emotions in check,” Gutierrez told NYRA publicity. “But to win here, especially on Dec. 31 and close out the year like this, I had to yell out because I’m so excited right now.”

Other highlights of Gutierrez’s year included a four-win day on Dec. 8 at Aqueduct.