A “Lucky Mexican” Says Espinoza Of Derby Win

Victor Espinoza riding atop American Pharaoh claimed the win on May 2, 2015 in the 14st Kentucky Derby. (Jason Szenes image)

News Americas, LOUISVILLE, Kentucky, Mon. May 4, 2015: “I feel like the luckiest Mexican on earth.”

That’s how top jockey Victor Espinoza summed up his back to back win Saturday in the 141st running of the Kentucky Derby in Louisville.

Espinoza, who was born the 11th of 12 siblings on a Hidalgo, Mexico dairy farm began riding in his native land and went on to compete at racetracks in California.

On Saturday he secured his third Derby win for Espinoza with American Pharaoh owned by Egyptian Ahmed Zayat. It was Espinoza’s second win in a row after jockeying California Chrome in 2014.

“American Pharoah, he’s special, very special,” said Espinoza about the Bob Baffert trained colt.

Next stop is the second leg of the Triple Crown, the Preakness, which will be run May 16th at Pimlico in Baltimore.