1972-05-23 Mexico City Greater Mexico City, Mexico Currently Residing: Monrovia California USA Height: 5’2” He is single; brother Jose is a rider in New York and another brother, Leo, is a former rider now living in Mexico City. Notes: Victor Espinoza learned the art of horse riding from a jockey school in his native Mexico City; registered his first win at Hippodromo de las Americas in 1992; worked as apprentice at Bay Meadows in 1993-94 and at Golden Gate in 1994 and immigrated to Southern California and topped in the standings at Fairplex both in 1996 and 1997. Espinoza clinched Breeders’ Cup victory with Spain; snatched the Hollywood Gold Cup with Early Pioneer; won the 2002 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes with War Emblem; clinched the 2002 ESPY Award for Best Jockey. He won his 4th title at 2006 Hollywood Park; finished the 2007 Santa Anita meet atop the standings with Garrett Gomez. Completed 2000th career win on March 19, 2006 at Santa Anita; won Sunland Park’s two signature races on April 1, 2006. He has several wins under his belt. |
| Year | Races Run | Wins | Place | Show | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 246 | 36 | 33 | 33 | - |
| 2010 | 982 | 126 | 155 | 152 | - |
| 2009 | 796 | 129 | 111 | 93 | - |
| 2008 | 855 | 118 | 130 | 100 | - |
| 2006 | 1288 | 259 | 175 | 191 | - |
| 2005 | 1107 | 192 | 181 | 161 | - |
| 2004 | 1336 | 240 | 244 | 184 | - |
| • Top Racing Wins |
| • 1999: — Shadwell Turf Mile Stakes |
| • 2000: — Hollywood Gold Cup, Del Mar Breeders' Cup Handicap |
| • 2001: — Del Mar Breeders' Cup Handicap, Del Mar Futurity, Sham Stakes, Wood Memorial Stakes |
| • 2002: — Haskell Invitational Handicap |
| • 2003: — San Diego Handicap |
| • 2004: — Del Mar Breeders' Cup Handicap, Del Mar Futurity, San Diego Handicap, Delta Jackpot Stakes, Sunshine Millions Classic, Pimlico Special |
| • 2005: — Sham Stakes, San Diego Handicap, Hawthorne Gold Cup Handicap |
| • 2006: — Del Mar Futurity, Sham Stakes, Arlington Million, C. L. Hirsch Memorial Turf Championship, Lane's End Breeders' Futurity, WinStar Derby, Las Flores Handicap |
| • 2007: — WinStar Derby, La Cañada Stakes, San Felipe Stakes |
| • 2008: — Las Flores Handicap, Portero Grande Breeders' Cup Handicap |
| • American Classics / Breeders' Cup wins: |
| • Breeders' Cup Distaff (2000), Kentucky Derby (2002), Preakness Stakes (2002) |
| • Racing Awards |
| • ESPY Award for Best Jockey (2002) |
