NEWS
Alex Solis II
Posted: Wednesday, June 23, 2010 5:37 PM
ALEX SOLIS II
Benoit & Associates photo
Solis Bloodstock
With jockey Alex Solis as his father and trainer Bert Sonnier as his grandfather, Alex Solis II was raised in the horse business.
“As a child I spent a lot of my summer time at my grandfather’s barn at Arlington Park,” Solis said. “Then, the main reason I’m in the game is my father. He has been a jockey for 30 years. He always pushed me to follow my passion. So that’s what I have done.”
Solis’ first job in the horse business was working for trainer Mel Stute. He also worked for Taylor Made Farm in Nicholasville, Kentucky, under John Hall. And back in California he worked with and learned from trainers Bruce Headley and Richard Mandella.
“I grew up around and worked for some great people in the business,” Solis said.
Solis has been putting together racing partnerships since 2004 and has bought graded stakes winners as yearlings, two-year-olds, and through private purchase.
One of his recent successes at auction was The Pamplemousse, purchased for $150,000 at the 2008 Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co. March sale of selected two-year-olds in training. The Pamplemousse won the 2009 Sham Stakes (G3) and San Rafael Stakes (G3) and was a leading Triple Crown contender early that year before being sidelined because of an injury.
“At the two-year-old sales, I always look for a horse that moves great,” Solis said. “[Bloodstock agent] Buzz Chace said it best: A horse that moves well on the track will stay sound.”
Solis said the thing he likes most about putting together racing partnerships is the chance to share the success.
“It’s fun to have a good group of people and friends with you when you’re winning races,” Solis said.
Date of birth: September 22, 1984
Birthplace: Hollywood, Florida
Residence: Pasadena, California
Title: President
Company: Solis Bloodstock
Education: Bachelor of Science in finance, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Family: Single
Favorite horse: Kona Gold
What book are you currently reading? Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game, by Michael M. Lewis
Last movie you saw at the theater: Avatar
What’s on your iPod? “Everything from AC/DC to opera like Andrea Bocelli. I like it all. It depends on the mood I’m in.”
Biggest professional achievement: “Buying and managing Daytona (Ire), while he won six out of seven races, including two Grade 1 races in seven months.”
Personal motto: “Be honest and disciplined.”
Best advice someone gave you: “Listen more than you speak. Watch other people’s body language, it speaks louder than words.”
Return to 40 Under 40
READER COMMENTS
|
|
|
Posted by: Sioban, Vancouver, ND on June 29, 2010 at 01:46 PM
Marry me Alex
Report Abuse 
|
|
|
|
|
|
