Popular jockey clears border hurdle
Mexico’s Perez happy to have family return to Canada
If there was one question peaking the interest of nearly everyone at Hasting Racecourse this year, it was concerning the whereabouts of popular jockey Amadeo Perez during the first nine weeks of the local racing season.
Speculation was he had decided to remain in Mexico City with his wife Anna and young son Mizael to continue riding at Hipodromo De Las Americas, where he was enjoying a successful meet.
During his stay in his native land, he does admit that he and his family missed the lifestyle in Canada and many friends they had made throughout the years.
“The wages are a lot lower,” said Perez. “You work double the time for a lot less money. Now having a family, my biggest concern is giving them a better life if possible.”
Perez began several months ago the process of returning his family to Canada.
“It was Feb. 15,” Perez said, “when I filed my passport and the necessary immigration forms. After a few months with no response, I began to worry, especially since I knew I had done everything in the right way.”
What Perez did not know was a few late immigration changes had been made recently to the processing of visa and working papers, and he had fallen between the cracks.
“I began to worry, especially since I knew I had done everything in the right way.”
— Amadeo Perez
“He was really becoming worried,” said trainer Mel Snow.
“That’s when Amadeo called me for some help with straightening things out.
“What happened was with all those late policy changes, Amadeo had to go to the Mexican government website to reapply.”
Unlike in the past, these forms — completed by computer — now carry a $230 fee and applicants receive a receipt to be shown with the new application before reapplying.
With both Perez and Snow thinking everything would be fine within two weeks, the wait to return to Canada became four weeks.
Today, Perez and his family are happy as ever to be back on Canadian soil.
He won three races last weekend and appears well on his way to having another banner year.
Who would have thought?
If all goes well, the dream of the 200 owners that make up the new Hastings Racing Club could become a reality sooner than later.
Especially with the recent purchase of veteran runner Square Dancer, a winner of over $125,000 in earnings, who last raced two weeks ago and finished second at Emerald Downs.
“As soon as Square Dancer arrives,” said trainer Steve Henson, “he’ll be ready to run.”
Also in their plans is the future of Urban Achiever, an unraced youngster now going through the training process of getting ready to run his first race.
“He’s been training really well.” Henson adds, “We’re hoping to have him racing within the next two weeks.”
Here’s an interesting fact associated with this unique new concept: If all of the 200 owners arrive at the same time at Hastings to watch their horses race and bring members of their family and friends, it will be a good bet that a record-breaking scene would take place in the winners circle should either Square Dancer or Urban Achiever cross the finish line in first place.