Born:
1972-05-23 Mexico City Greater Mexico City, Mexico Currently Residing: Monrovia California USA Height: 5â2â 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 Breedersâ 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 Parkâs two signature races on April 1, 2006. He has several wins under his belt. |
| Year | Races Run | Wins | Place | Show | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 217 | 46 | 39 | 29 | 0 |
| 2014 | 583 | 102 | 79 | 68 | 0 |
| 2013 | 724 | 107 | 113 | 99 | 0 |
| 2012 | 638 | 74 | 74 | 82 | 0 |
| 2011 | 833 | 103 | 130 | 123 | 0 |
| 2010 | 982 | 126 | 155 | 152 | 0 |
| 2009 | 870 | 145 | 128 | 100 | 0 |
| 2008 | 855 | 118 | 130 | 100 | 0 |
| 2007 | 1 | 185 | 167 | 152 | 0 |
| 2006 | 1 | 259 | 174 | 191 | 0 |
| 2005 | 1 | 192 | 181 | 160 | 0 |
| 2004 | 1 | 240 | 244 | 184 | 0 |
| 2003 | 1 | 205 | 182 | 203 | 0 |
| 2002 | 1 | 188 | 160 | 163 | 0 |
| 2001 | 1 | 144 | 139 | 149 | 0 |
| 2000 | 1 | 242 | 202 | 190 | 0 |
| 1999 | 712 | 94 | 89 | 80 | 0 |
| 1998 | 811 | 96 | 95 | 81 | 0 |
| 1997 | 840 | 89 | 106 | 98 | 0 |
| 1996 | 864 | 101 | 149 | 132 | 0 |
| 1995 | 1 | 220 | 187 | 178 | 0 |
| 1994 | 946 | 128 | 136 | 123 | 0 |
| 1993 | 116 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 0 |
| Top Racing Wins |
| 1999: â Shadwell Turf Mile Stakes |
| 2000: â Hollywood Gold Cup, Del Mar Breeders' Cup Handicap |
| 2001: â Del Mar Breeders' Cup Handicap, Del Mar Futurity, Sham Stakes, Wood Memorial Stakes |
| 2002: â Haskell Invitational Handicap |
| 2003: â San Diego Handicap |
| 2004: â Del Mar Breeders' Cup Handicap, Del Mar Futurity, San Diego Handicap, Delta Jackpot Stakes, Sunshine Millions Classic, Pimlico Special |
| 2005: â Sham Stakes, San Diego Handicap, Hawthorne Gold Cup Handicap |
| 2006: â Del Mar Futurity, Sham Stakes, Arlington Million, C. L. Hirsch Memorial Turf Championship, Lane's End Breeders' Futurity, WinStar Derby, Las Flores Handicap |
| 2007: â WinStar Derby, La CaÃada Stakes, San Felipe Stakes |
| 2008: â 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) |
| 1st Kentucky Derby 2014 - California Chrome |
| 1st Preakness Stakes 2014 - California Chrome |
| 1st Kentucky Derby 2015 - American Pharoah |