Solis proud to tie 'idol' at Del Mar

Say this about Alex Solis -- the 45-year-old jockey knows how to pick role models.

Solis, tied for sixth in the Del Mar rider standings with 21 victories, climbed even with lifelong idol Laffit Pincay Jr. on the list of Del Mar stakes victories when he won last Sunday's Grade 2 Del Mar Handicap aboard Spring House for trainer Julio Canani.

The victory tied Solis with Pincay for third on the all-time list with 95 victories.

"I'm just so proud," Solis said. "He's somebody I've admired my whole life, and to think that 27 years later I would be tied with him in stakes victories at Del Mar is quite an accomplishment. It makes me feel good."

Solis said he and Pincay, who both hail from Panama, have gotten together often since the latter's retirement in April 2003.

"I talk to him all the time," Solis said. "We stay in touch and we go to dinner sometimes. He's a wonderful man and a wonderful role model."

When Solis finally gets his own long overdue call to the Hall of Fame, maybe it will be Pincay who presents him at the induction ceremony in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.