Jockey Mario Gutierrez on Jimmy Fallon

It makes for bittersweet watching now, but last night, Triple Crown dreams were still alight in jockey Mario Gutierrez’s eyes.

Like many of you, I’m bummed–I really thought I’ll Have Another would break the streak this year. But among the things we’ve got to thank him for–his heart, his inspiring grit in two hard fought, spine tingling races–is helping bring the career of a humble, soft-spoken, cool-riding, little-known jockey from Veracruz to light. We may not get to watch him ride tomorrow, but I don’t think we’ve seen the last of Mario Gutierrez.

Go Mario.