Many of you all may be asking yourself, who is Rafael Bejarano? And how is he winning so many races? Bejarano is a new face here at the Del Mar scene, but his consistent performances have caused many handicappers to count him as a plus when looking for the edge on the next race. Let's find out who this fresh face really is.
He hails from Peru, where he started his racing career. He spent a year and a half in Peru’s jockey school, working as a groom to pay for it. He raced for less than a year in Peru before he was popped up on the radar of trainer Dante Zanelli, Sr. Since arriving in the U.S. he has been a one-man win machine. In six years he has had 8,197 mounts with 1,576 wins......earning $600,742,975 in purses. That's not including this year. He earned his first win at River Downs in Cincinnati, and hasn't looked back since. He has been winning races everywhere he goes. New York and Kentucky were his stomping grounds for the first few years, but now he has a new venue, California. After having much success at Santa Anita and Hollywood Park, where he was the jockey of the meet, he decided to stay in California. Which is how he ended up at Del Mar.
Bejarano's favorite horse is Ginger Punch. When it comes to winning a race, he loves to come from behind, rather than going wire to wire. If you've ever witnessed him in the winner's circle, he always throws the peace sign. So, why the peace sign? Bejarano replies, "Peace and Love."
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