Apprentice Yoel Navas launched his riding career in spectacular fashion in Sunday's last race at Gulfstream Park, scoring aboard his very first mount, 35-1 longshot Captain Jack.
The 20-year-old native of Guatemala has worked for Captain Jack's trainer Ian Wilkes as an exercise rider for the past two years.
“He's worked for me for a couple of years,” Wilkes said in the winner's circle. “He's always wanted to be a jock. I brought him along. I thought he was ready to ride.”
Navas gained outside stalking position along the backstretch and into the far turn with Captain Jack in the six-furlong maiden optional claiming race before moving to the lead at the top of the stretch en route to a neck victory in 1:11.65.
Captain Jack ($73.80) is a 3-year-old gelding by McCraken out of the Harlan's Holiday mare Great Family and was bred in Kentucky by Brereton C. Jones. He is campaigned by Lothenbach Stables.
“My goodness. It's very important, this race, for me. The horse ran very well,” Navas said. “Thanks, Ian Wilkes, for the opportunity.”
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