Bejarano Looms Large on SoCal Sweep

I’ve been saying for a long time that Rafeal Bejarano is the best jockey in the United States. On the verge of sweeping the Southern California jockey titles, he continues to prove me right. The Peruvian wunderkind is currently riding 21% winners, and is finishing in the money a whopping 57% of the time.

Rafeael Bejarano, or “Rafi” as we at the track affectionately call him, is just 26 years old. He is doing something in only his second year on the circuit that has only been done twice in the past, and by legends. Chris McCarron swept the circuit in 1983, and the rambunctious Patrick Valenzuela did it again in 2003.

Undoubtedly, his most remarkable win on the circuit since moving his tack to Southern California came for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer in the Santa Anita Handicap. Sent off at odds of 7-1, Bejarano was able to hold off Go Between late, while in the irons of Heatseeker. Unfortunately for the connections and racing fans alike, Heatseeker sustained a career ending injury later in the year and was forced to retire to stallion duty. Check out the video of his bold victory above.

My favorite win of the year for Rafi came in the Grade 1 Lanes End Breeder’s Futurity at Keeneland. Piloting Square Eddie in his first U.S. start, he won easy and at the juicy price of 10-1. I remember the day particularly well, because a friend called and asked who I liked. I told her about this European colt who looked to be coming into his own. Too bad I was broke at the time, or I would’ve bet him as well.

Total earnings for the year currently stand at $15,734,892, which is second only to Garrett Gomez. I’m sure it wont be too many more years before Rafeal Bejarano shatters that record too!