Victor native jockey returns to WNY after top 10 finish in Kentucky Derby

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Just days after coming in 6th place at the 148th Running of the Roses at the Kentucky Derby, Reylu Gutierrez is already back in Western New York.

He’s getting ready for his upcoming race at Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack.

Reylu Gutierrez racing career is only 4 years old and in those 4 years, he’s won more than 400 races, but he says his top 10 finish at the Kentucky Derby is the icing on the cake.

Gutierrez and his horse barber road had an impressive run on the track Saturday afternoon. He says the 6th place finish is a fabulous result and one that gives him a lot of optimism for his next major race. Gutierrez, who raced out of gate 14, said he let barber road do the work and fall into its own position. At one point during the race, Gutierrez was about a length behind Rich Strike, the 80 to 1 horse that ultimately won the derby. Regardless of the outcome, Gutierrez and his family all celebrated this accomplishment.

"The dinner afterward. The dressing up. The being there, being in that moment. Obviously, they’ll never be another first time, but there can be another time you know, hope to God for that, but just a matter of being there is an honor."

Gutierrez and Barber Road are both skipping the Preakness, and instead will race at the Belmont Stakes in June.