Today I start a look at some of the top hispanic old-timer jockeys and some of the current hispanic jockeys, who have made a name for themselves. There is a long and beautiful history of Mexican, Panamanian and other Latin American jockeys and their influence on the Sport of Kings.
One of the greatest jockeys of our time was the gifted Panamaian, Braulio Baeza. he led the U.S. in earnings five times and won the George Woolf Memorial jockey Award in 1968. In his career, Baeza won an impressive 4,013 races, including wins in the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, Belmont Stakes, Travers Stakes and the Blue Grass Stakes.
Baeza rode so many great horses, but among the best he rode were Ack Ack, Dr. Fager and Buckpasser.
Baeza was greatly respected for his patient rides and his confidence to perform at the highest level. Many of today's top hispanic riders owe a lot to Baeza. He rode not only here in the United States but in other countries where he fared well.
I never saw Baeza ride live, I was just two years old when he retired, but he certainly made the most of opportunities and helped open the door for many of today's latino jockeys. Baeza is certainly someone to look up to in terms of knowing how to be successful at the best tracks and in the biggest races.
His legacy in the sport will never be forgotten and must be considered to be in the top tier of jockeys of any race, but he's certaily in the top five of any list that rates hispanic jockeys.
Any thoughts?
- Felix
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I had Bonifacio Perez galloping horses for me in the early 90s. He has gone on to become a very good jockey. He was a very good horseman. I found him on Northern Avenue in Pueblo Colorado. He first started working for me as a groom. Started galloping then started riding races.
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