Although today is being marked as a celebration, Sunday, January 25, when Rick Mocklin secured his first training victory in 41 years, may have felt like a déjà vu moment for longtime horse racing enthusiasts at Fairgrounds and Slots.
Mocklin, now 69, has been deeply connected to horse racing throughout his life. He initially trained racehorses between 1981 and 1986, achieving 53 wins during that period. Among his trainees was Monique Rene, who distinguished herself by winning 29 out of 45 races and earning a then-record $456,260 for a Louisiana-bred horse.
When the final race took place two Sundays ago and the name Richard Mocklin Jr. appeared on the program with no prior wins to his credit, many wondered if it was the same Rick Mocklin—the jockey’s agent, race caller, publicist, and lead singer of a popular local band—or perhaps his son or another individual entirely.
The outcome of the race answered the question. The horse named Oncoming Train truly did live up to its name, coming from behind in the stretch to win by a neck, placing Rick Mocklin back in the winner’s circle with a wide smile.
“I was eager to return to the sport,” Mocklin shared. He credited his longtime friend, ‘Bunky’ Richards, for maintaining Oncoming Train’s fitness and explained that he had purchased this horse and another from Richards as Richards began scaling back his own training operations.
That other horse, Whiskey and Easy, is set to race in the second event at Delta Downs this Wednesday.
Mocklin’s journey began early at 17 when he worked as an announcer at Jefferson Downs University and learned horse care working behind the scenes. Initially gaining attention among horse owners in the oil industry, he shifted away from full-time training when that sector declined, leaving many owners to disperse.
“I moved into management roles,” he recalled, “serving as the Fairgrounds publicity manager and backup announcer for Tony Bentley. Later, I tried being a jockey agent, arranging rides for top jockeys like Randy Romero, Corny Llanelli, and Richard Ellamia.”
Alongside racing, Mocklin nurtured a passion for music, forming and leading the band Southern Voices in 2015. As the group’s popularity soared, balancing gigs and race duties became increasingly challenging, prompting him to step back from the racing world for several years to focus on music and other parts of his life.
“I’m still playing, but I’ve cut back,” he said. “The scene is tough with many bands accepting less pay than they deserve, but we understand the need to make a living.”
Craving a renewed focus, Mocklin found racing to be a natural draw back.
“When I took time off, it gave me space to reflect,” he noted. “I feel reborn and refreshed, like this is really what I was meant to do. Winning that first race again just makes the experience even sweeter.”
Looking ahead, Mocklin is ready for what’s next.
“We have a few people interested in bringing horses on board, so I’m eager to give it a shot,” he said of growing his stable. “I’m in a better place personally, without the financial pressure of retirement. I’ve learned a lot from watching great horses over the years and I’m excited to apply that knowledge now.”
Wherever his path leads, Mocklin’s presence has always been notable, so his long hiatus came as no surprise.
“I feel like this business is in my blood,” he said. “I’m dedicating myself fully to the horses, taking things one step at a time and enjoying every moment.”
This article first appeared in the Paulick Report’s News section on February 2, 2026.
Fan Take: Rick Mocklin’s return after four decades highlights the deep-rooted passion that sustains horse racing’s enduring spirit. For fans, his story is a reminder that dedication and love for the sport can reignite even after years away, promising exciting, heartfelt chapters ahead in racing’s legacy.
