Jockey Antonio Fresu, a 31-year-old native of the Italian island Sardinia, has won big races all around the world. Most notably, in 2021 he guided U.S.-based Zenden to victory in the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen, a Group I at six furlongs on dirt.
On Saturday at Santa Anita, less than six months after arriving in the U.S., Fresu won his first graded stakes in North America with a strong pacesetting ride aboard Chatalas in the Chandelier Stakes (G1) for trainer Mark Glatt. As a Breeders' Cup Challenge “Win & You're In” event, Fresu will now get his first crack at a Breeders' Cup victory in the $2 million Juvenile Fillies Nov. 3 at Santa Anita.
“You could see how happy I was right before the wire,” said Fresu, who gave a series of fist pumps at the finish. “I couldn't hold the celebration. To win a graded stakes and have a chance at the Breeders' Cup, it's incredible.”
Fresu added he has always watched the Breeders' Cup, wherever on the globe he has been located.
“We watched it all the time. Things like the Breeders' Cup, Dubai World Cup, Royal Ascot, Kentucky Derby (G1)– everyone around the world watches because it is so big. For me to be here and find a filly like this, it's a blessing. It's what I was dreaming of.”
Fresu arrived in the U.S. in April from Dubai, where he normally rides during the winter months. His first domestic win came with his fourth mount on April 29 aboard Trusty Rusty for trainer Doug O'Neill, who played a key role in getting Fresu to the U.S. In recent winters in Dubai, Fresu has been a frequent rider for O'Neill.
Fresu finished the Santa Anita Hollywood Meet, which ended June 18, with 13 wins from 86 mounts (15 percent). It was a solid start to Fresu's U.S. stay, but things would get even better this summer at Del Mar. With agent Tom Knust booking mounts, Fresu finished second in the jockey's standings eight behind Juan Hernandez with 31 wins from 173 mounts, an 18 percent strike rate.
Through the first five days of the Santa Anita Hollywood Meet, Fresu is again second in the jockey's race with seven wins, two fewer than Hernandez.
“Tom Knust, my agent, has done a great job since I've come over here. He's done his best to get me good mounts. Then it's up to me to perform,” he said.
Fresu's quick ascent in the Southern California jockey colony has led to a career choice. He will not return to Dubai this winter. Fresu is staying here.
“No, no, no, I'm staying here,” Fresu said. “I decided after Del Mar I will continue my career riding in the U.S.”
Fresu was married about a year ago. His wife, Veronika, from Norway, has continued to work and reside in her home country. They've managed to see each other a few times this year with Veronika planning to return here at the end of October. But he's not to stay, yet. That will have to come later.
“It's been tough being new here and being alone,” Fresu said. “But I try to just focus on what I'm doing at the track.
“Things couldn't have started any better at Santa Anita.
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