Jockey Jason Huayas broke through with his first career victory Sunday at Gulfstream Park while guiding Lusitano ($9) to a front-running 4 ¼-length triumph in Race 6.
Lusitano was Huayas' fifth mount, and the Rohan Crichton-trained gelding was also the 10-pound apprentice's first mount on April 23, when they finished fourth.
“It's a goal I put my mind to,” Huayas said. “I want to thank everybody for helping me accomplish it.”
Huayas had worked as a hotwalker and groom for trainer Ralph Nicks at Gulfstream Park before setting his sights on a riding career.
“I was 150 when I decided to be a jockey and I got down to 107, 106 with a lot of hard work and determination,” the 29-year-old Huayas said. “I worked as a groom for Ralph Nicks then I became an exercise rider. I worked for a couple trainers and then said, 'You know what? The next step is to become a jockey.' I'm happy to get it done.”
Huayas has one mount on Thursday's card, Dolcisima in Race 3.
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