Quake Relief Is Winner as Solis Has a Big Day

Alex Solis’ big day Friday at Santa Anita was the American Red Cross’ gain.

Earlier in the week, the meeting’s leading rider announced he would donate his Friday earnings to earthquake relief.

He rode four winners.

Solis won the first race with favored Trusting Heart, then swept the final three with Ms. Something, Service Ace and Uncanny Ann. He also had a third and a fourth on the afternoon, so his total donation to the Red Cross was $6,950.

“It was (trainer) Mel Stute’s idea,” Solis said. “I was at his barn on Wednesday morning and I walked in and he said, ‘How you doing, son?’ and I told him, ‘I’m having a good time riding horses and everything’s going well and I just feel so fortunate that everything is going so well.’

“I told him I couldn’t believe that I’m having so much fun and making so much money and he suggested I donate some of it (to earthquake relief). I said it sounded like a good idea.

“It really feels good to make such a donation. I was very excited all week long to do it and I couldn’t wait until today to see how everything was going to work out. Every day I pray to God I come out healthy, and for all the other jockeys, too. Today, I prayed that everybody came out healthy and that my horses ran well, too.”

Harry Haceck, Solis’ agent, also donated his share of the rider’s earnings.