By Martha Claussen

OPELOUSAS, LOUISIANA—JANUARY 28, 2026—For more than seven years, racing fans have seen the familiar face of Ismael Solis-Guevara ponying Quarter Horses for LQHBA Champion trainer Kenneth Roberts, Sr. Known throughout the backside as “Mikey,” he is now quietly making a name for himself as a trainer.

His Beginning
The 33-year-old was born in Moultrie, Georgia, an agricultural community in the Southern Rivers region of the state. A first-generation horseman, he remembers visiting bush tracks with his father as a young boy. In high school, Solis-Guevara studied to become a veterinary technician but knew that attending college would be financially untenable.

The first pari-mutuel racetrack he attended was Hialeah Park in South Florida, where he met Archie T. McKinnon, who would play a pivotal role in his career.

McKinnon’s business focused on the manufacture of commercial modular office structures and became profitable. He and his wife, Karen, loved horses, so in 2006, after selling the business, they turned their attention to their farm in Georgia. There, they raised cattle, grew blueberries, and enjoyed trail riding.

Seeing potential in Solis-Guevara, the McKinnons hired him to assist with several horses racing at Hazel Park in Michigan. When the track was sold in 2018, Solis-Guevara relocated to Louisiana, where he went to work for Roberts. With no racing in Michigan and no future for Hialeah Park, McKinnon also explored Louisiana racing and campaigned several runners at the claiming level with different trainers.

“He was already a really good horseman but eager to learn, which stood out to me,” said Roberts. “You have to be humble to be successful in this business, and I saw that in Mike.”

Acquiring His First Graded Stakes Winner
With confidence in Roberts and belief in Solis-Guevara’s potential, McKinnon asked the young horseman to purchase a yearling at the 2022 LQHBA Yearling Sale. Solis-Guevara eagerly poured over the extensive catalog and set his sights on Rogue Fast Dash.

The daughter of Heza Fast Dash out of the Mr Jess Perry mare Miss Jess Rogue was bred in Louisiana by Robicheaux Ranch/Triple M.

“I knew she would not go cheaply at the sale based on her breeding,” recalled Solis-Guevara. “She had several owners bidding on her, and I felt the pressure as the bidding climbed to $90,000. Archie told me to keep going, and she sold for $105,000. I was really nervous but will never forget that afternoon and the faith he showed in me.”

“Coach” Kenny Roberts broke Rogue Fast Dash, and the sorrel filly made her debut on May 4, 2023, at Delta Downs, finishing third in a Lassie Futurity trial.

“She was a little hesitant in the gates but was fast and trained well,” said Solis-Guevara.

Her 2-year-old season included two victories and a fourth-place finish in the $624,924 Lee Berwick Futurity (RG1) on July 15. She also qualified for the LQHBA Louisiana Million (RG1), finishing tenth in the championship.

“She was a really great filly as a 2-year-old,” said jockey Juan Garcia, Jr. “She always tried hard and was on autopilot in the mornings. We were all disappointed when she had to have surgery at the end of that year.”

Esteemed equine surgeon Dr. Tommy Hays removed chips from both knees and advised Solis-Guevara that Rogue Fast Dash could race again but would need ample time off.

Solis-Guevara credited McKinnon’s patience as the filly missed most of her Derby season before returning to the races in October and qualifying for the LQHBA Breeders Derby.

A Record-Setting Season
Her 4-year-old season proved remarkable, with five consecutive victories in 2025. The streak began with three starts at Louisiana Downs before shipping to Vinton.

“She ran a great race in the 330-yard Flashy Hemp Stakes last July at Delta,” Garcia explained. “When Mikey told me he wanted to stretch her out and point toward the Louisiana Champions Day Classic at Evangeline Downs, I was a little surprised.”

Garcia reunited with the filly following two allowance victories at Evangeline Downs—first in a $14,000 allowance on October 30 and again on December 3, when she captured a $22,500 allowance while posting a 94 speed index.

“I could barely pull her up that night, so I understood exactly what Mikey was thinking,” said Garcia. “We were thrilled to see her win the Louisiana Champions Day Classic on December 20. She broke on top and handled the 440-yard distance easily.”

Rogue Fast Dash will not race in 2026, according to her trainer. The Grade 2 winner will retire to the breeding shed with a record of 19-8-1-4 and earnings of $237,132.

“There are very few options for her as a 5-year-old,” Solis-Guevara explained. “More importantly, her bloodline means a great deal to me, and I want it to continue in Louisiana.”

Ryan Robicheaux, farm and breeding manager at Robicheaux Ranch in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, welcomed the news and shared that Rogue Fast Dash’s dam, Miss Jess Rogue, is enjoying her retirement on the family farm.

“Rogue Fast Dash is out of one of the best mares in the state,” Robicheaux said.

The Team Looks Ahead to 2026
Solis-Guevara currently has 15 horses in training at Louisiana Downs and has already recorded two wins since the meet opened on January 12. He is supported by his girlfriend, Baylee Istre, and his famously calm pony horse, Charlie.

Following Rogue Fast Dash’s Flashy Hemp Stakes victory last July at Delta Downs, fans watched as Solis-Guevara dismounted to attend the trophy presentation—while Charlie casually wandered back to the paddock for water and rest before the next race.

“Charlie is always chill and loves his job,” said Solis-Guevara.

Garcia, who rides first call for trainer Trey Ellis, also accepts mounts for Solis-Guevara when available.

“Mike is extremely dedicated and rarely misses a day at the barn,” Garcia said. “He stays on top of every horse he trains, and that’s what it takes to be successful.”

Quarter Horse Aftercare
Second careers for racehorses have become a major priority in the industry, and Solis-Guevara is already focused on aftercare.

“We owe it to our horses to explore options for them once they can no longer race,” he said. “My pony horse Charlie is a perfect example, and I have a runner in my barn who could be a very good barrel prospect.”

That philosophy resonates with Archie and Karen McKinnon.

“Mike believes in playing by the rules and cares deeply about his racehorses,” said McKinnon. “He treats my horses as if they were his own. I hope Rogue Fast Dash produces some nice runners, but if breeding does not work out, Mike knows she will always have a home on our farm.”

Well-liked by nearly everyone who knows him, the future looks bright for the hard-working young horseman. And for those wondering whether his days ponying for Roberts are over, the answer is a resounding no.

“Kenny and I have always been a team, and that will never change,” Solis-Guevara said. “I am so fortunate to ride for Archie—he and Karen have given me tremendous support. We just made it through a big freeze here in Louisiana and are looking forward to a great 2026.”

###

Martha Claussen has been involved in racing since 1997, when she served as publicity director at Sam Houston Race Park for ten years. She continues to be active in writing, fan education and Quarter Horse racing publicity in Texas, Louisiana, Indiana and other regions in North America.

*******************

Would you like more industry news delivered directly to your inbox? Click here to sign up.