One year ago, apprentice jockey Joshua Morales was still in his native Puerto Rico, a recent graduate of the jockey school at Camarero Race Track near San Juan. Now, he has his first jockey title as he was named the recipient of the seventh annual Juan Saez Leading Apprentice Jockey. The award is named in honor of 2014 leading apprentice Juan Saez of Panama, who passed away in a racing incident that year.
“I am very happy and proud,” said Morales through his agent Francisco Torres. “I am thankful for the opportunity all the horsemen gave me this year. If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't be standing here right now.”
Morales began his professional riding career in Puerto Rico in January before moving to the United States and riding at Turfway Park. From there, he rode at Belterra for a few months before making the move to Indiana Grand in mid-September. Since his arrival, he has accumulated 21 wins and $375,000 in purses, moving him into a tie for 12th place in the jockey standings in 2020.
Morales got involved in racing through the encouragement of his two uncles, Wilfredo and Jose Rohena, who ride at Finger Lakes. He spent two years in jockey school learning the racing industry from the ground up, a commitment that brought him to the United States. His move to Indiana has also paired him with jock's agent Torres, who earned in excess of 3,100 career wins and multiple graded stakes victories during his 32-year career. Earlier in the season, Morales noted the connection with Torres has been extremely helpful as he continues to fine-tune his skills as a jockey.
Morales was joined by his partner, Chareen, and his two young sons, Owen, age four, and Harlan, 18 months, for the winner's circle presentation at Indiana Grand. He and Torres plan to head to Kentucky at the conclusion of the racing season in Indiana and will ride at Churchill Downs and Turfway Park until racing resumes in Indiana in 2021.
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