Parker teams up with Parker

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (Aug. 4, 2020) – Jockey DeShawn Parker has experienced a lot in his career. With more than 5,700 career trips to the winner’s circle, he doesn’t see many firsts these days in racing, However Tuesday, Aug. 4 brought a first for the veteran rider at Indiana Grand. DeShawn Parker was hoisted aboard Parker for Trainer Michelle Elliott, a horse named after him.

“My mom (Amy Elliott) has always liked the name ‘Parker’ and when this colt came up to name and we saw the name was available, we got it,” said Michelle. “I told DeShawn (Parker) last year I had a two-year-old for him this season and told him the name, so he’s been waiting for him to race.”

DeShawn Parker is the go-to jockey for Parker the horse, who is owned and bred by Elliott Ventures. Besides Michelle Elliott’s exercise riders, Parker is the only one to get on the two-year-old son of Sangaree. It was only a matter of time before the two met.

“DeShawn has really liked him after breezing him,” said Michelle before the race. “You never know with these two-year-olds when they make their first start what they will do, but we hope he will be a good one for us.”

Parker and Parker began their journey from post eight in the second race of the day. They were rated evenly throughout near the back of the pack and although it wasn’t the finish they had hoped for, the Parker duo crossed the wire in sixth place, closing mildly in the stretch.

“I was really happy with him today,” said DeShawn of Parker. “He’s just learning but he ran a good race. I was happy he took the dirt really well and tried to run down the lane. I can’t wait to hopefully get a win picture with him.”

So, for now, the Parker duo will come back soon for their second career attempt, hoping to get their win picture together at Indiana Grand.

Photo by Coady Photography