Best of 2019: First time jockey winners
Our Best of 2019 series revisits the stories, interviews, and videos that our readers — or our editors — loved most last year. Here, jockeys and their first wins.
A jockey’s first win is always a special moment, a reward for hard work that is typically commemorated with plenty of smiles and an icy bath on the return to the jockeys’ room. For some, it’s the start of a long and productive career, while for others, that first win might just be as good as it gets.
One rider who broke his career maiden in 2019 at Laurel Park was Victor Rosales. Riding primarily at Laurel, Rosales earned his first win in February and went on to win 54 races during the season. He even had a couple of stakes mounts (though no winners).
Just about two months prior to Rosales’ first career win, Felix Pinero earned his, in December of 2018. Now riding primarily at Penn National and Parx Racing, Pinero won three times in 2018 and 40 more in 2019. Like Rosales, he’s had a handful of stakes mounts.
LATEST RACING NEWS
Long trip pays dividends for Alvelo, Tall Order
Jockey Jean Alvelo flew into Laurel Park from Puerto Rico for a single mount — Tall Order in Friday’s allowance feature. Good thing they made it count.
Jamie Ness will look to defend Delaware Park title
Trainer Jamie Ness will seek to win his 11th consecutive Delaware Park training title when the 2025 meet begins May 14.
“Pushing our envelope” at Foxfield Races
Long a “second-tier steeplechase,” Foxfield Races has been on the upswing of late, pushing the envelope of what it can be, its organizers say.
CT: Diakonissa headlines Its Binn Too Long
A two-time stakes winner at two, Diakonissa headlines Saturday’s Original Gold Stakes at Charles Town Races as she makes her three-year-old bow.
What we’re watching at Laurel Park this weekend
Laurel Park kicks off its racing weekend Friday at 12:10. Here’s what we’ll be keeping our eyes on…
Laurel Park: Latest jockey and trainer stats
Which Laurel Park jockeys and trainers are having a good meet? Who’s doing better than you’d think? Or heating up now? Answers within.
