By Katie Petrunyak
“Zurdo” Estrada earned his nickname back when he was a kid in Mexico running up and down the soccer field. He would always kick the ball with his left foot so everyone called him Zurdo, the term word for left-handed. The nickname stuck and even still today, it's what everyone knows him as on the Santa Anita backside.
Estrada began working as a hot walker at Bay Meadows Racetrack in San Mateo, California in 1989. He instantly fell in love with the sport and after a few short months, made his way up to becoming a groom. Over the years since, he has taken on a handful of jobs outside of the industry only to catch a glimpse of a horse race on television and quickly return to racing.
“I love the horses,” Estrada said with a smile and a shrug. “When I stay with the horses, I feel relaxed. Now it has been 30 years. All my life, I've loved horses.”
Estrada has worked for trainers like Mark Glatt, James Cassidy and Bobby Frankel. During his time with Frankel, he became a Breeders' Cup-winning groom when Intercontinental (GB) (Danehill) claimed the 2005 GI Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf.
About 10 years ago, Estrada was forced to step away from the track when he had to have back surgery. He went back to his home in Mexico, but was miserable being away from the animals he loved.
Zurdo Estrada spends time with Sweet Azteca after morning training | Katie Petrunyak
“When I was there, there was no work for me because I needed to keep my back relaxed and stay strong so I could come back,” Estrada recalled. “The doctor told me I needed a couple of years to relax.”
After three years, Estrada returned to California and took a job as a hot walker for Doug O'Neill.
The first horse assigned to him was Nyquist (Uncle Mo), a 3-year-old colt who had won the 2015 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile the year prior. One of Estrada's fondest memories came just after his return to racing when Nyquist won the GI Kentucky Derby.
“When you have a horse in a big race like that, you feel your blood rushing and your heart beating,” said Estrada. “It's exciting.
Also during his time with O'Neill, Estrada was the groom of 2017 GII Blue Grass Stakes winner Irap (Tiznow).
Last year, Estrada began working for trainer Michael McCarthy. He quickly developed a soft spot for one of his first charges, a big, grey filly named Sweet Azteca (Sharp Azteca).
Estrada said that for the most part, the filly's personality matches her name, but she still has a bit of a sassy side.
“If you are going to work with her all day, you need a little piece of carrot to give her and she's happy,” Estrada shared with a smile. “If you don't give her anything, she'll try to push you away. But I still love her.”
Sweet Azteca broke her maiden on debut as a 3-year-old last year. This year, after a third-place placing in the GIII Las Flores S., the homebred for Pamela Ziebarth has dominated throughout California. Her win in the GI Beholder Mile Stakes over MGISW Adare Manor (Uncle Mo) has been Estrada's favorite victory to date, but she has also reeled off wins in the GII Great Lady M Stakes, where she set a new track record, and in her most recent start, the GIII Rancho Bernardo Handicap.
Estrada said that with every win, the speedy filly's competitiveness seems to grow.
“In the morning she always goes in the first set,” he explained. “She used to go in the second or third set but would start getting nervous. If she goes early, she is relaxed for the day.”
Sweet Azteca is now pointing toward the GIII Chillingworth Stakes on Oct. 5. going 6 ½ furlongs. Trainer Michael McCarthy has an eye toward the GI Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint for his star trainee.
“When he told me she was going to the Breeders' Cup, I started working a little bit more with her, putting more attention into every piece of her,” said Estrada proudly.
Estrada lives above the stable at Santa Anita and quite literally lives and breathes racing. Throughout his life, the horseman has learned that he is most content when he is around horses, so he plans to continue his role as a groom for as long as he can. He said the best part of his day is when he spends time with each of his horses after training has wrapped up for the morning. All is quiet and he can enjoy an afternoon spent in good company.
“I try to finish a little late because I don't want to stay in my room or go outside,” he said. “I want to stay with the horses. I take like 25 or 30 minutes with each horse inside the stall, working and massaging and playing with them. I might work all day, but it's much better for me.”
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