The Journeyman
Larry Lee Palmer profiles jockey Victor Mercado, injured on Labor Day in an accident at Emerald Downs (Post-Intelligencer):
“Que pasa?” Victor would ask, “How’s it going?” His heroes would nod, stop and joke.
But Victor Mercado never hit the big time. Few do. Maybe his English wasn’t very good. Maybe he never got the right agent, or found a trainer with faith and a long string of horses.
So, like many in his trade, Victor Mercado became a journeyman. He worked anywhere he could get mounts. Soon he had a family. He had obligations. He worked bullrings and county fairs up and down the West Coast. He rode at Tillamook and Walla Walla, Dayton and Kennewick, Playfair and Portland Meadows, even Prescott and Turf Paradise in Arizona when the season turned.
His best years were at Longacres. He was among the top 10 riders for years. The stat sheet says he ranks 26th in victories on a racetrack that doesn’t exist anymore.
Mercado may not ride again. A fund for his support has been started. To donate, send contributions to the Victor Mercado Relief Fund, Washington Mutual, 24A Street, Auburn WA 98002, or call 253-833-8700.
