“What a Moment”: Horse Racing Icon Shares Heartfelt Tribute to Father Amid Candid Tales of New York Journey
Follow Us
In the world of horse racing, a new champion can sometimes suddenly appear and shock everyone with their amazing skills among the already famous pros. Jaime A. Torres, a 24-year-old represents this story. He’s made a significant impact and won 37 races on the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) track in 2023. His amazing skills not only beat all other young riders but also gained a great record of 411-37-50-50 that reached $2.6 million in prize money.
Torres claimed the top spot in the NYRA apprentice rider standings, closely pursued by Luis Rivera, Jr., who secured 27 wins. Despite this competition, Torres recalls triumphs and expresses gratitude to the key influences in his career.
From novice to journeyman
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He expressed gratitude for the tutelage provided by seasoned jockeys and notably, Angel Cordero, who acted as a mentor throughout the meet. Torres expressed, “I feel very blessed to have had all those opportunities and I learned from it a lot. I would love to go back one day.” But, Torres’ quick success really took off when he won for the first time at Gulfstream Park in September 2022. After that, his skill led him to have a lot of success at Aqueduct Racetrack. He won most of his races on the NYRA circuit there.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trending
Shedeur Sanders Becomes the “Laughing Stock” of College Football as He Ignores NFL Legend’s Advice to Target Gavin Kuld
May 18, 2024 02:10 PM EDT
Mom Randi Defends Son Patrick Mahomes as Chiefs Dragged Through Mud Due to Harrison Butker, Wanya Morris & Jason Godrick’s Controversies
May 18, 2024 05:57 PM EDT
Dana White & UFC Miss Out on $1.38 Billion Worth Achievement as Conor McGregor Awfully Falls Short of 3-Year-Old Feat
May 18, 2024 01:21 PM EDT
Big Setback for Shaq, as $155 Billion Company Eyes Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith Post-TNT Era
May 17, 2024 10:54 PM EDT
Millionaire Best Friend Shedeur Sanders and Co. Can’t Hold Back as Travis Hunter Flaunts $120K Birthday Present From Fiancée Leanna
May 19, 2024 04:53 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
A serendipitous entry into horse racing
Unrelated to the sport, Torres stumbled upon a horse racing broadcast on TV in December 2019. “I remember one day I was at my mom’s home just changing the channels and I saw the races in Puerto Rico and I had never seen anything like that – only in the movies,” Torres said. Intrigued, he attended the races the following day, an event that sparked his profound passion for the sport. Under trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. at Palm Meadows Training Center, Torres honed his skills further.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“Wow, what a moment,” Torres recalled, reminiscing about a significant turning point in his career. He fondly remembered a conversation with his father, expressing his intent to pursue his passion with dedication, devoid of pressure, while adhering to instructions diligently. “I gave it 100 percent and thank God it finished like that. I really thank James Chapman and Michelle Lovell for the opportunities.” He added
Watch this story: Female Equestrian Revives ‘Lost Tradition’ With Distinctive Flair
Edited by:
Sampurna Pal