Year of the Jockey

Back to List of Jockey's

Rafael Bejarano Birthdate: June 23, 1982 Birthplace: Arequipa, Peru Height: 5’2” Weight: 105 pounds

Breeders' Cup Wins
Distaff (GI)—Ginger Punch (2007-Mth)
Filly & Mare Turf (GI)—Intercontinental (2005-Bel)

Santa Anita Stakes Wins
Arcadia H. (GII)—Silent Name (2006)

Other Major Stakes Wins
Adirondack (GII-Sar)—More Happy (2007)
Amsterdam (GII-Sar)—Most Distinguished (2007)
Blue Grass (GI-Kee)—Dominican (2007)
Carter H. (GI-Aqu)—Forest Danger (2005)
Churchill Downs H. (GII-CD)—Saint Anndan (2007)
Darley Alcibiades (GI-Kee)—Country Star (2007)
Excelsior BC H. (GIII-Aqu)—Offlee Wild (2005)
Go For Wand H. (GI-Sar)—Ginger Punch (2007)
Gulfstream Park BC H. (GI-GP)—Einstein (2006)
First Flight H. (GII-Bel)—Ginger Punch (2007)
Hirsch Jacobs (GIII-Tam)—Street Magician (2007)
Honorable Miss (GII-Sar)—Burmilla (2007)
Humana Distaff H. (GI-CD)—Hystericalady (2007)
John C. Mabee H. (GI-Dmr)—Precious Kitten (2007)
Lane’s End Breeders’ Futurity (GI-Kee)—Consolidator (2004)
Northern Dancer (GIII-CD)—Suave (2004)
Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (GI-Kee)—Sweet Talker (2005)
Old Hat S. (GIII-GP)—Dream Rush (2007)
Peter Pan (GII-Bel)—Sunriver (2006)
Rampart H. (GII-GP)—Miss Shop (2007)
Shadwell Turf Mile (GI-Kee)—Host (2005)
Stephen Foster (GI-CD)—Colonial Colony (2004)
Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf (GP)—Miss Shop (2007)
Tropical Turf H. (GIII-Crc)—Ballast (2006)

Highlights

• First winner: John Bobby at River Downs on July 10, 2002.
• 1,000th winner: First race at Keeneland on Oct. 14, 2005.
• First Grade I winner: Colonial Colony at odds of 62-1 in Stephen Foster at Churchill Downs on June 18, 2005.
• Notched his second Breeders’ Cup victory in the 2007 Distaff as Ginger Punch got the better of Hystericalady in a torrid stretch duel to win by a neck at Monmouth Park. His first Breeders’ Cup win was more decisive when 15-1 shot Intercontinental took the 2005 Filly & Mare Turf by 1 1/4 lengths at Belmont Park.
• After finishing tenth in the national earnings standings in 2006 as his mounts banked in excess of $12.3 million, was headed for an even better year in 2007 when ranked fifth following the Breeders’ Cup with purse earnings of just over $14 million. His best finish to date was fourth in 2005 when mounts earned better than $14.4 million.

Won 455 races to lead all North American jockeys in 2004, his total exceeding that of runner-up Ramon Dominguez by 72 victories.

Was victorious in a track-record seven races at Turfway Park on March 12, 2004 before adding five the following day and going on to end the meet with 196 victories, demolishing the old record of 114.

In only his second visit to Santa Anita, won six races from nine mounts including four in succession and the Grade II Arcadia Handicap aboard Silent Name at $14.40. Only Laffit Pincay Jr. – with seven – has won more races in a single day at the historic track.

The Peruvian native was warmly embraced by Southern California fans on his six-win day. “I would love to stay here,” he told reporters afterward. “I love this place.” The memory appears to have been influential in his announced plans to relocate to Southern California in ample time for the Santa Anita 2007-2008 meet.

Riding Titles: Aqueduct (winter, 2005); Churchill Downs (spring, 2004); Ellis Park (2005); Keeneland (2004, 2005, 2007 fall; 2006 (tie) spring); Turfway Park (2004, 2005). Has also led Ellis Park and Hoosier Park meetings.

Personal

• “Fell in love” with racing in his native Peru where he attended the country’s riding school, remaining for 1 1/2 years as he groomed horses to earn his keep.
• Began his riding career on Dec. 8, 1999 in Peru and quickly became the leading apprentice at Hippodromo de Monterrico.
• Immigrated to the United States in May of 2002 with the assistance of trainer Dante Zanelli Sr., and commenced his U.S. career at River Downs in Cincinnati. His parents and two sisters continue to reside in Peru and are not involved in racing.