Mexico Hippodrome Seen as Step for US Career The Associated Press
go to original August 21, 2014

Jockeys get ready to ride to their starting posts before a race at the Hippodrome of the Americas in Mexico City. There are approximately 200 registered jockeys that are skilled enough to ride a half-ton race horse in Mexico. (Sean Havey/AP)

MEXICO CITY — Mexico's only major horse racetrack comes to life at 5 a.m. each day as hundreds of stable workers begin to take the 1,400 racehorses out of their stalls and gallop them around the track before washing and feeding them.

Despite ranking low among racetracks in Latin America because of its small purses, the Hippodrome of the Americas bustles with activity, and with jockeys lured by Mexico's proximity to the United States.

"Here the jockeys dream to go to the United States to ride and not to stay here in Mexico," said Ricardo Mar, the track's director.

Purses pay out an average of $2,300 for the winning horse, which is enough to pay the jockey and cover two months of expenses for the horse.

"We don't have enough people involved in the big betting, so we can't get the wagers we want for higher prizes," Mar said.

But low prizes don't keep jockeys from across Latin America from coming to Mexico City with hopes of earning a reputation that will let them venture to the United States, where a top rider can earn millions.

Among those who have made the move are Kentucky Derby winner Victor Espinosa, Mario Gutierrez and Panamanian Elvis Trujillo.

Read the rest at Times Union

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