Father and son riding combinations, while uncommon, are not all that
rare, especially in Louisiana which has produced so many jockeys through
the years.
What is a bit unusual, is the magnitude of success Gerard Melancon
and his son, Jansen, have had this summer while plying their trade at
opposite ends of the state.
At Evangeline Downs, veteran Gerard Melancon occupied his usual
position near the top of the standings all summer long. The winner of
almost 3,800 career races eventually finished second – for the fourth
year in a row – when the meet concluded last Saturday.
Meanwhile, 200 miles to the north at Louisiana Downs, Jansen
Melancon, 23, is enjoying a breakout season. He ranks third in the
standings behind longtime Louisiana Downs regulars Don Simington and
Richard Eramia with two weeks remaining in the season.
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