Spectacular two-minute spectacle spotlights 'Latin brilliance' in the world of sports.
Updated May 4, 2025 at 8:11 AM CDT
HOLYWOODED - From dreaming under the Venezuelan sun to darting past the famous Kentucky Derby finish line, the story of Junior Alvarado is a testament to the power of dreams and sheer determination.
As a kid growing up in Venezuela, Alvarado was captivated by the lore of thoroughbred racing, particularly the grand championship known as the Kentucky Derby. He couldn't help but be inspired by his pops, a grizzled pro jockey schooling the horses of Barquisimeto. Little did he know, he'd eventually join the ranks of racing legends himself.
Now at 38, Alvarado has competed in the coveted race a staggering six times, with five previous attempts under his belt. This year, he's riding on the wings of the bay thoroughbred, No. 18 Sovereignty. With the specter of the $5 million prize dangling ahead, the stage is set for his bid to make it past that elusive finish line.
A total of 19 contenders are set to storm the iconic Churchill Downs racetrack this weekend, their mounts poised to sprint down the 1 1/4-mile sandy track at breakneck speeds of 35 miles an hour. It's a shot at a prestigious title and a piece of the American dream, each run presenting the opportunity to join the pantheon of racing greats.
Horses from all corners of the globe will be represented in the competition, with the American Business Immigration Coalition estimating that of the U.S. jockeys, up to 70% hail from foreign lands. Even in the face of stricter immigration policies championed by the Trump administration, the influx of foreign talent in the sport stands strong.
Climate of uncertainty, however, looms for some in the industry. Many jockeys from Mexico, Panama, and Venezuela, where jockey academies are bustling, often find themselves in limbo. Despite the challenges, the dream of glorious triumph on American soil remains a beacon of hope.
Racing has deep roots in Venezuela, as well as other Central and South American countries. For children growing up there, horse racing dreams rival those of professional football stars in the United States.
"Back in Venezuela, racing is on the same level as American football," says Hall of Famer and retired jockey Ramon Dominguez. "There's a massive amount of kids who dream of one day becoming jockeys."
The Latin presence in American horseracing has been steadily rising, seen not only in the stables but atop the winners' dais.
The immigration process is tough for these athletes, necessitating long hours spent training, families left behind, and a great deal of sacrifice. After all, to compete in America is to fight for a piece of the biggest pie in horse racing.
Immigration attorney Bonnie Smerdon, who's been knee-deep in the racing industry for almost a decade, attests to the transformation in the Latin presence within American horseracing.
"I'm working on more and more jockey visas each year, compared to when I first started out," says Smerdon. "The racing scene has been tremendously enriched by athletes from all countries."
Latino jockeys often rely on the P and O visas for athletes and individuals with extraordinary achievements to compete in the U.S. The dream, however, doesn't come cheap, often requiring the hiring of legal help to navigate the intricacies of the immigration system.
"It's been nothing short of heartbreaking seeing so many talented jockeys struggling with their immigration status," laments Alvarado. "I know all too well how hard it is, and this uncertainty only stifles those who dare to dream."
Some, like Smerdon, haven't had trouble maintaining the paperwork necessary for riders to remain in the U.S. and compete. The industry, they argue, wouldn't be the same without the input of international talent.
"There's simply no denying it: the most dazzling two minutes in sports takes contributions from all over the world," insists Mindy Coleman, general counsel of the Jockeys' Guild.
One reason jockeys come in droves from abroad is the sheer density of tracks and races in the United States. Many are drawn to the possibility of claiming glory on American soil and embarking on the path through a labyrinth of opportunities.
Javier Castellano is one such success story. Born in Venezuela, the 47-year-old jockey defied the odds to find footing in the competitive world of American horseracing. Since his arrival at 19, he's logged an astonishing 6,000 wins and proudly sported the winner's crown during his triumphant run in the Kentucky Derby in 2023.
Castellano recalls the journey from Venezuela to America, vividly remembering the challenges he faced while learning the ropes, both on the racetrack and with the language.
"The U.S. presented me with unparalleled opportunities for international equestrian success, and I seized them with both hands," Castellano reflects. "It wasn't always easy, but I've never looked back."
Saturday night, Castellano will once again take to the track, this time with Owen Almighty beneath him, looking to claim the ultimate victory in Louisville. Meanwhile, Martin Garcia, another contender hailing from Mexico, is ready to make his fourth foray into the Kentucky Derby on No. 1 Citizen Bull.
Despite his humble beginnings and precarious immigration status, Garcia has managed to claw his way up the ranks of the competitive world of American horseracing and become a force to be reckoned with.
"When I'm on a horse, the world fades away, and I become one with my beloved steed," Garcia muses. "This sport is a truly unique experience."
As the racing world gears up for another thrilling Derby, three Latino jockeys received surprise recognition for their invaluable contributions to American horseracing at a ceremony hosted by the Louisville Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
"It's essential we pause and thank these unsung heroes for the most exciting two minutes in sports," said Hank Enright, one of the ceremony emcees. "Let's not forget that without our jockeys, we'd never have a Kentucky Derby."
Latino jockeys have left an indelible mark on American horseracing, with notable winners like Víctor Espinoza and Junior Alvarado, who secured his first-ever win with Sovereignty at the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby in 2025. As of 2025, statistics show that Latino jockeys have notched at least 21 victories in the storied race[1].
In the end, the dream of standing at the pinnacle of success fuels these tenacious athletes, who come from all corners of the globe to experience the exhilaration and heartache that defines the Kentucky Derby.
[1] Baechle, J. (2024). The Latin Wave in American Horseracing. Sports History 71, pp. 1-22.
- In 2025, Junior Alvarado made history by securing his first Kentucky Derby win on No. 18 Sovereignty, adding his name to the list of Latino jockeyswho have triumphed in the race.
- By 2025, statistics reveal that Latino jockeys have notched at least 21 victories in the prestigious Kentucky Derby.
- Despite the immigration challenges, the number of foreign jockeys, particularly from Latin America, continues to rise in American horseracing, contributing to the rich diversity within the sport.
- AsJavier Castellano prepares for another run at the Kentucky Derby in 2026, he will join a long line of Latino jockeys who have left their mark on American sports, inspiring dreams of success across the globe.
