Kentucky Derby 2023: the Mexican Jockeys to Watch

As the 2023 Kentucky Derby approaches, the buzz around the Mexican jockeys in the race grows. Historically, the event has been dominated by American jockeys, but in recent years we have seen an increase in diversity at the track.

Mexican jockeys have made a name for themselves in horse racing for decades. They are known for their skill, agility, and fierce competitiveness. On the other hand, many of Mexico’s top jockeys have trained in the United States and have gained experience at some of the toughest tracks in the world.

One of the best-known Mexican jockeys is Victor Espinoza, who has won the Kentucky Derby three times. Espinoza is a legend in the sport, and his success has paved the way for other Mexican jockeys to follow in his footsteps.

Mexican jockeys in the Kentucky Derby

In recent years, we have seen an increase in Mexican jockeys in the Kentucky Derby. In the 2021 race, three Mexican jockeys were in the field, and all performed admirably. We can expect to see even more in the coming years as they continue to make their mark on the sport.

Their presence in the Kentucky Derby is a testament to the growing diversity in horse racing. It is a welcome change that has brought new talent and excitement to the sport. Looking ahead to the 2023 race, we can expect incredible performances from these talented jockeys.

Which Mexican jockeys will we be able to see in the Kentucky Derby 2023?

As we mentioned, Victor Espinoza is one of the Mexican jockeys we could see in the Kentucky Derby. Riding the 3-year-old colt Skinner, he could perform well in this new edition of the most popular horse racing event in the United States.

In addition, they came from finishing third in the Santa Anita Derby G1 2023, where they were beaten by Practical Move (1st place) and Mandarin Hero (2nd place). There is no doubt that Victor Espinoza, at 50 years of age, still wants to prove that he still has equestrian blood in his veins and thus become the winner of the Kentucky Derby again as he did in 2015, when he also won the triple crown (Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes).

On the other hand, we cannot fail to mention Paco Lopez, one of the best jockeys ever born on Mexican soil, who has accumulated more than 3,500 races won since his debut in 2007. In his career as a professional, Lopez won eight Grade 1 races, including the Twinspires Breeders ‘Cup Sprint in 2018. 

Paco will ride Lord Miles, one of the colts with a rich family history, and already knows what it’s like to win recently with him, as they did in Grade 2 2023 Wood Memorial. In addition, Lord Miles has a great pedigree on his back and ran the fastest race in his lifetime in the Wood Memorial. Finally, this horse has odds at the time of writing of +2000.

Note: Victor Espinoza’s participation is not completely a fact, as he does not have the necessary points to be among the 20 Colts. However, he is on the “waiting list” in case something happens with other contenders.