Francisco Calderon is one of several prominent riders to race at Louisiana Downs on Saturday, March 29th.

© Ruidoso Downs

By Martha Claussen

BOSSIER, LA–MARCH 27, 2025–The already solid Quarter Horse jockey colony at Louisiana Downs will get a boost on Saturday, March 29, when three nationally prominent riders make a trip to ride in the $399,104 Mardi Gras Futurity (G2).

Veteran jockey Rodrigo Vallejo and rising star Bryan Candanosa have made their mark across the country, but Francisco Calderon has an interesting history in the first major futurity of the year, dating back to 2017.

Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Calderon began riding in 2011. He was doing well in Texas, gaining valuable experience and riding for quality barns in the first few years.

Francisco Calderon aboard Blue Eyed Fance for the win in the 2017 Mardi Gras Futurity. © Ann Switalski Photography

However, Calderon was always willing to travel if offered a stakes mount outside of Texas.

In March 2017, trainer Jose Sanchez qualified three juveniles for the Mardi Gras Futurity (G2) at Louisiana Downs.

He called Calderon and offered him the mount aboard a lightly-raced filly, Blue Eyed Fance.

"I think I said yes before I answered the phone," recalled Calderon with a smile.

Blue Eyed Fance outran her two stablemates at odds of 15-1 as she won in gate-to-wire fashion!

Calderon received another phone call this year from trainer Jose Espinosa following the 2025 Mardi Gras Futurity trials. The Texas-based horseman had qualified three juveniles, with rider Bryan Candanosa named on Mamma Im Leaving You and Arturo Alvarez getting the call aboard Jaccz Sizzle.

Espinosa asked Calderon if he would come to Bossier City and pilot Jessapilottrain for Party Tyme Racing. The colt by Freighttrain B out of the Mr Jess Perry mare, Miss Jess Lady Pilot, won her trial in 15.848 seconds under jockey Arturo Alvarez. Bred by Grant Farms, he advanced to the final as the seventh-fastest qualifier.

"It was a little more complicated this year as the sought-after jockey is currently riding at Remington Park and was driving back to Oklahoma after working prospects at Delta Downs.

"I could not say yes until I cleared it with my agent, Donnie Stewart,” explained Calderon. “But once he checked my Remington commitments, I was very happy to get back to Jose!"

What Calderon could not remember was the Mardi Gras Futurity purse in 2017. When told it was $271,463 and this year’s purse was just shy of $400,000, he was pleasantly surprised.

"That’s pretty cool, " he commented. "I have never ridden this colt, but I have known Jose for many years and am always happy to ride for him. "

Calderon’s career accomplishments have skyrocketed over the last two years, with a blockbuster showing in 2023. He won seven grade 1 championships that year and, on October 29, set a new single-season earnings mark for a Quarter Horse jockey.

His victory aboard Trane Station V in the 2023 Golden State Million Futurity(G1). The winner’s share vaulted him to $5,184,747, topping the mark of $5,019,594 set in 2008 by the legendary G.R. Carter. Calderon was honored as the 2023 AQHA Racing Champion Jockey, an award he gratefully shared with his wife, Valerie, and two children.

Racing fans will enjoy seeing Calderon return to Louisiana Downs on Saturday and you can bet he will have a big smile on his face with a second victory in the Mardi Gras Futurity!

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Martha Claussen has been involved in the Quarter Horse industry since 1997. She continues to be active in writing, fan education, and Quarter Horse racing publicity in Texas, Louisiana, Indiana, and other regions in North America.

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