Between Louisiana Downs and Lone Star Park, Eramia working overtime

Jockey Richard Eramia is fitter than he’s ever been, and it’s not because the 37-year-old has started a new workout routine or changed his diet. Eramia is riding races six days a week during the concurrent meets at Louisiana Downs and Lone Star Park.

He was in a three-way tie atop the Louisiana Downs standings heading into Monday’s card with 12 wins from 52 starts and had mount earnings of $124,990. Eramia ranked second in the Lone Star standings through Sunday with 20 wins from 118 starts and had mount earnings of $262,038.

Louisiana Downs shifted its racing schedule this season, presenting a rare opportunity for Eramia to ride regularly at both tracks. Eramia, who has won five titles at Louisiana Downs since 2011, has long-standing contacts in Texas and a home near Lone Star.

“It’s perfect,” Eramia said. “I have business at both places, and I love it. I love to ride.”

Eramia competes at Louisiana Downs on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays and rides at Lone Star on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Ronald Ardoin is his agent at Louisiana Downs, and Monty Penney represents the rider at Lone Star.

Eramia last rode regularly at Lone Star in 2008. He committed to the meet this year to be able to spend more time with his wife, Jhessika, and their children, Cynthia, 13, and Laffit, 8. (Lafitte is named for retired Hall of Fame rider Laffit Pincay Jr.)

“I wanted to be home with the family, with the kids,” Eramia said.

Eramia said it’s about a three-hour drive between Lone Star and Louisiana Downs. Later this year, he will ride at Remington Park in Oklahoma City.

Eramia’s five titles at Louisiana Downs were earned from 2011-15. He was second in the standings last year when based at the Bossier City track

Lone Star races through July 30, while the Louisiana Downs meet runs through Sept. 27.