Jockey Theriot returns to Lone Star

It’s a safe bet no rider has traveled farther to be part of the current Lone Star Park meet than Jamie Theriot.

Theriot showed up on the Texas scene May 11, after traveling more than 10,000 miles from the Indian Ocean island nation of Mauritius. He had been under contract to ride for a prominent stable overseas, and spent more than two months in the republic located off the southeastern coast of Africa.

“I was the first American jockey to win on their soil,” said Theriot, 39. “It was an amazing time. I’ve been at 12 Kentucky Derbies, and it’s the same atmosphere as the Derby. It’s unbelievable, the fan base. They’re diehard racetrackers. The [track] packs in the people. I’m glad I got to do it and see that culture there. I’m pretty excited that the track has invited me to go back in December and be part of their International Jockey Challenge.”

Theriot is back at Lone Star for the first time since 2005. He returned to ride on a regular basis for Bret Calhoun, the trainer for whom Theriot won two Breeders’ Cup races in 2010, the Filly and Mare Sprint aboard Dubai Majesty and the Turf Sprint aboard Chamberlain Bridge.

“My clients, myself, we’ve had a lot of success with Jamie and have a lot of confidence in him,” Calhoun said.

“It’s great having Bret behind me – we go back 15-plus years,” Theriot said.

Theriot was born in Lafayette, La., and grew up in Breaux Bridge, La. He has won 2,501 races in North America, where he had $57 million in mount earnings through Thursday, according to Daily Racing Form statistics. Theriot’s first win came June 6, 1996, at Evangeline Downs.

“My dad was a trainer for 35 years,” Theriot said. “He had a farm, had 30, 40, 50 head in training at all times. I was brought up with horse racing. I was galloping horses at the age of 8. I knew what I wanted to do.”

Theriot said he particularly enjoys riding 2-year-olds, which are featured at Lone Star and are a staple in Calhoun’s local barn. Theriot has won four divisions of the rich Texas Thoroughbred Futurity at Lone Star.

“I broke a lot of babies at a young age,” Theriot said. “I love riding babies. I love riding young horses.”

Theriot will spend the remainder of the year in this market, following Calhoun’s stable to Remington Park in Oklahoma City after the close of Lone Star in July. The Remington meet runs from August through December, and at that point Theriot will look at his options, which include another international venture because of the contacts he made while in Mauritius.

“I could go to Oaklawn, I’ll consider going back to California, or I could go to Hong Kong,” Theriot said Friday.

Theriot won the riding title at Oaklawn in 2003. He rode in Southern California in 2016 and 2017, taking last year’s Grade 2 Sorrento and Grade 2 San Clemente, both at Del Mar.

But for now, Theriot said he’s focused on the meet at hand and is pleased to be back at Lone Star.

“I have a lot of great memories here,” he said. “It’s great riding here. I feel like I’m home. I’m very happy and content. Lone Star is in the top three tracks that I enjoy riding, and it’s a great area, Dallas-Fort Worth.”

Theriot, Calhoun, and owner Carl Moore – the team behind Chamberlain Bridge – will be active together on Sunday’s card, in the second race with Zarb’s Gift.