Community Corner

PHOTO GALLERY: Martin Garcia's Pleasanton Homecoming

Former cook turned jockey, Martin Garcia came back to where it all started Monday night, Chicago's Metropolitan Deli in Pleasanton, to sign autographs.

Last night, friends, family and fans greeted Martin Garcia, the jockey who captured headlines and won the Preakness Stakes in May.

"I feel like a really lucky guy," said Garcia as he signed autographs and took pictures outside Chicago's Metropolitan Deli, where he used to work as a cook.

When asked what it felt like to be back in Pleasanton, he said it was important to "share my happiness that I feel inside."

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Garcia first got connected to the horse racing world five years ago through deli owner Terri Terry.

"This is where he got his start," Terry said.

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And despite his busy schedule, Terry said, Garcia wanted to come back and show his appreciation to those who encouraged him throughout the years.

Since becoming a jockey, Garcia has won numerous races and has competed at tracks around the country, including Kentucky, Santa Anita and Del Mar.

This year, he placed 15th in the Kentucky Derby. And his horse came in 4th at the Belmont Stakes on June 5.

Pleasanton residents such as JoAnne and Mike Kumar said they have been following Garcia ever since he started at the local races.

"It's one of those fairy tale stories," said JoAnne.

Garcia, who is now based in Los Angeles, will be racing Wednesday at Hollywood Park.


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