James Flores aboard Kempton after winning the G1 Heritage Place Futurity on June 1 at Remington Park. The victory in the richest race in Oklahoma helped Flores, and Kempton’s trainer James Gonzalez III, earn Lip Chip Jockey and Trainer of the Week.

© Dustin Orona Photography

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK—JUNE 4, 2024– James Flores and James Gonzalez III combined talents to win the $1,081,820 Heritage Place Futurity with Kempton and rode that wave to the final Lip Chip Jockey and Trainer of the Week award this meet at Remington Park.

"He may be the best horse I've ever ridden," Flores said on the OQHRA Quarter Racing Digest radio show on Sunday, the day after the cornerstone race for 2-year-olds in Oklahoma City.

That's saying a lot for a jockey who has won the sport's best race, the Grade 1, $3 million All American Futurity, twice. Flores won the All American aboard Hes Judgeandjury in 2022 and with Mr Jess Jenkins in 2019.

The win by Kempton propelled Flores to the top of the leaderboard for most money earned by a jockey at Remington Park this meet with his horses making $1,299,290. It wasn't the only thing that Flores did on Champions night, Saturday, June 1, either. The three-time top rider at Remington Park bagged two stakes wins other than the Futurity.

Flores also made it to the winner's circle in the Speedhorse Graham Paint and Appaloosa Futurity with WF Jess Candy and the Speedhorse Graham Paint and Appaloosa Stakes with R Cowgirl.

For the week, Flores won 5-of-17 starts and his 29 percent winning percentage was the highest of any jockey that had 10 or more mounts. His horses ran first, second or third in 12-of-17 for an incredible 71 percent rate in the money.

It doesn't get more prestigious at Remington Park for a trainer than to win the biggest race of the year, and that's what Gonzalez did this past week to earn his Lip Chip vest with Kempton.

Kempton finished his Remington Park campaign undefeated through three starts. His season started breaking behind the field in the Oklahoma Futurity trials back in March and still winning that race by a full length. The 2-year-old Kiss My Hocks colt showed his determination in that first win and Flores showed his willingness to persevere despite the bad break.

The Heritage Place Futurity win gave the barn its second win of the week in only seven starts for a 29 percent winning ratio.

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Remington Park has provided more than $349 Million to the State of Oklahoma general education fund since the opening of the casino in 2005. Located at the junction of Interstates 35 & 44, in the heart of the Oklahoma City Adventure District, Remington Park presents simulcast racing daily and non-stop casino gaming. The 2024 racing schedule begins Thursday, March 7, as the American Quarter Horse, Paint and Appaloosa Season starts its 50-date season. Parking and admission are always free. Must be 18 or older to wager on horse racing or enter the casino gaming floor. Visit remingtonpark.com for more information.