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Jockey Of The Month: Pablo Morales Continues Living The Dream With New Personal Best

From 2017-2019, Pablo Morales rode 200 or more winners a year while establishing a personal-best earnings mark of $4,053,906 in 2019.

Despite those accomplishments, no one could predict the outcome when Morales left Tampa Bay Downs last December to compete at Aqueduct, known for its high purse money and strong jockey colony. And more than a few observers clucked “I told you so” when Morales started the 2020-2021 winter meeting at “The Big A” with only two victories from 53 mounts.

Behind his youthful, placid face, though, lies a steely determination to succeed. Morales (who had ridden four winners at Aqueduct during a “trial run” in early November of 2020) rebounded from his slow start to finish ninth in the winter meeting standings with 24 winners, including three stakes victories.

“I don't think I killed it, but I probably won enough races that people noticed,” Morales said.

That experience set the table for Morales to dominate this year's Presque Isle Downs meeting in Erie, Pa., where he rode 120 winners, 76 more than the runner-up. The 33-year-old product of Lima, Peru won with 32.2 percent of his mounts, a staggering figure for a 15-week meeting.

Morales has returned home for the 2021-2022 Tampa Bay Downs meeting, eager to see if he can challenge for a title among Oldsmar's deep colony. He has done nothing to disappoint his supporters early, winning nine races from his first 31 mounts to earn the Salt Rock Tavern Jockey of the Month Award.

Morales has also set a new personal single-season earnings mark in 2021 of $4.12-million-plus.

Agent Paula Bacon, for one, looks for the good times to continue.

“I think his confidence is better than ever, and that has gotten him even further,” said Bacon, a retired jockey. “He's confident in his decisions, and he has real good judgment. And I don't think anyone can out-finish him.”

Morales, who in recent years has turned to training in the ring with a boxing instructor to keep strong, believes he is at the peak of his skills. But he isn't taking anything for granted, aware of the dedication needed to stay at his current level.

“I love winning and I love racing. That is the thing I know how to do best,” said Morales, who has 2,268 career victories and has ridden at least 100 winners each year since 2010. “My goal, really, is maintaining – being able to keep working, hopefully keep getting titles and having a better season than before.

“My dream was always to come to the United States and be a jockey, and I get to live it and get the benefits of giving my family (wife Erin and children Sophia and Camilo) a good life.”

In the meantime, his quick start aside, Morales will keep fine-tuning the staying power that made 2021 such an excellent year and is reflected in so many of his come-from-behind victories.

“I can do whatever is needed, but usually I'm a guy who likes to sit on a horse and let them do their own running early instead of riding them off their feet,” he said. “When you have some horse left underneath you, they usually give you a pretty good kick and you're able to finish strong on them.”

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‘Riding Horses Is What I Know’: Jesus Castanon Named Tampa’s Jockey Of The Month

Entering Friday's action, the Tampa Bay Downs jockey standings looked as if they were recovered from a time capsule. Tied at the top, with six victories each, were 48-year-old Jesus Castanon and Jose Ferrer, 57.

Between them, they've won 7,266 races, been hurt too many times and taken the long walk back to the jockeys' room too often to mention. Yet each brings the same dedication, the same love for the sport and the horses and considerably more expertise than they first had as promising teenage riders.

Sometimes, they have to pinch themselves looking around at the new kids on the Oldsmar block who seek to knock them off their perches.

“Every year you have new riders coming in, and this place is very competitive,” Castanon said. “Jose and I were joking about it – you add our ages, and it makes about four of those younger guys.”

Castanon won back-to-back Tampa Bay Downs riding titles in 2004 and 2005, and he spent most of his winters over the next decade competing at Fair Grounds in New Orleans, Oaklawn Park in Arkansas or south Florida. When he returned here five years ago, the memories of those championship seasons came flooding back.

“When it gets close to Opening Day, I get excited to come here and enjoy the people and the weather and have a happy winter,” said Castanon, who edged Ferrer for the first Salt Rock Tavern Jockey of the Month Award of the meeting by virtue of win percentage (6-for-11 through Wednesday). “This place has been real good to me. I just have to thank all the trainers and owners and people on the backside for their support.”

Castanon also praised his new agent, Bob Jobson, for getting him on the right horses.

The fraternity of Thoroughbred race riders forms one of the strongest bonds in any sport. In October, Castanon had cause to reflect on the unwavering support of his own family when his father-in-law, Rolando Simpson, passed away unexpectedly.

Castanon dedicated the Jockey of the Month Award to the memory of Simpson and his own father, Jesus Castanon, Sr., who died of kidney disease in the fall of 2010, six months before the rider's victory aboard Shackleford in the Preakness at Pimlico.

A former trainer, the elder Castanon gave Jesus – the second-youngest of 10 children – and his brothers Antonio and Jose German the green light to ride races. Both siblings are still in the business, with Jose German working here as the assistant to trainer Jordan Blair and Antonio galloping horses for Godolphin in Lexington, Ky.

Castanon's wife, retired jockey Rolanda Simpson, is back home in Shepherdsville, Ky., with three of their four children and two grandchildren. Oldest son Micah is a law student.

Castanon turned to his family to shine a light in 2015 when he was injured twice in a period of two months, the second time incurring a broken tailbone and a concussion in an accident at Ellis Park in Kentucky.

“The second time made me think,” Castanon recounted later. “I looked at my children and thought, do I really want to keep doing it? But riding horses is what I know. My wife was basically with me the whole time I was recuperating, and she gave me a lot of encouragement and told me that whatever I wanted to do, she was going to be there for me.

“This is the main thing I have in life and I love doing it, so I knew I was doing the right thing.”

One of the main things his experience has taught Castanon is not to force the issue.

“I feel if I get too excited (during a race), I kind of lose the touch. So I just go with the motion and don't over-think things,” Castanon said. “I do what I know to do on a horse, and the results have been working out really well.”

Castanon clinched the Jockey of the Month honor with his winning ride on 3-year-old gelding Styner for owner-trainer Juan Arriagada in the eighth race on Wednesday. Content to trail all but one horse early, Castanon shook up his mount approaching the 3/8-mile pole of the 1-mile turf event. Riding in perfect harmony with Styner's instinctual desire, he reached the front a couple of jumps from the wire to win by a half-length at odds of 11-1.

“It was (Styner's) first time racing on the grass, and after I worked him I knew he was going to be able to run. I knew he would be a little sharp from the gate, so I wanted to kind of take that away from him,” Castanon said.

“He was able to settle down behind horses and when I got him to pick it up and swing to the outside and get in the clear, he came running,” said Castanon, who won three races on the card.

Trainer Jordan Blair, who counts Castanon as his “go-to” rider at Tampa Bay Downs, said: “He has been a gifted rider his whole career. His racing IQ is very high and we usually don't have to discuss much before a race because we're on the same page.

“He puts horses in good spots during a race and can come back with good information about the race and the horse. He's just a talented rider and I don't think there is anyone better at Tampa Bay.”

Long-time Tampa Bay Downs race-goers know how fortunate they are to watch and wager on such dedicated veterans as Castanon, Ferrer and Daniel Centeno, but the street runs both ways. Those guys love coming to Tampa Bay Downs each winter to win races and school youngsters.

The relationships feel just like family.

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Tampa Stay ‘Opening Doors’ For Jockey Of The Month Hector Diaz

Hector Rafael Diaz, Jr., had been eager to ride trainer Kathleen O'Connell's 3-year-old filly Nancy Work since breezing her at Tampa Bay Downs before her start on March 7 at Gulfstream Park in a maiden claiming race.

“Some horses work fast and some don't, but you know how they do it and how they feel,” said Diaz, who made the most of his chance in Wednesday's ninth race at Tampa by riding Nancy Work to her maiden victory going a mile on the turf. “When I work a horse, I want to know how much they have galloping out after they hit the wire, and she did it easy and comfortable and came off the track happy. That's the main thing.”

Nancy Work finished last in her Gulfstream effort in a race that was taken off the turf, showing as much liking for the sloppy racetrack as a mother whose 4 and 5-year-olds just returned from frolicking in a mud puddle. Neither that effort nor a subsequent fifth-place finish here on the grass on March 19 lessened Diaz's enthusiasm for the chance to team up with her in a race for the first time.

As if sensing her pilot's confidence, Nancy Work relayed to Diaz her desire to graduate into the ranks of winners before the start.

“When I got on her, she was on the toes. I knew she was ready to run,” he said.

The come-from-behind, 3 ½-length victory from Estilo Elegante and eight others capped a three-victory performance Wednesday by Diaz, earning him the Salt Rock Tavern Jockey of the Month Award. After winning twice today, Diaz is in third place in the standings with 57 victories, and his win percentage of 19.7 is the track's second-best, behind Antonio Gallardo's 22.5.

Diaz's victories today came on 3-year-old filly Flash Town in the fourth race for owner Sabal Racing Stable and trainer Darien Rodriguez and in the sixth on the turf on 5-year-old gelding Joy City for owner Francis Paolangeli and trainer Bobby Raymond. Flash Town was claimed for $8,000 by trainer Rafael Schistl for new owner Endsley Oaks Farm.

Also on today's card, no bettor hit the late 50-cent Pick-5, creating a carryover pool of $39,302.87 into Saturday's late Pick-5. That wager will begin with the sixth race.

“It's gone better than I expected. It's tough to come to a new place and do this well,” said the 31-year-old Diaz, who is in his first season at Tampa Bay Downs. “To be in the (top three) with all the good riders here is a great accomplishment for me. I have to praise God and thank all the owners and trainers and everyone who supported me.”

Winning races is rarely easy, even when you're on the best horse. Hall of Fame jockey Eddie Maple said he nearly flew off the saddle when Secretariat unleashed his ungodly acceleration on the turn for home in the legend's final career race, the 1973 Canadian International at Woodbine in Toronto.

Along the backstretch in Wednesday's finale, Diaz and Nancy Work were inside and relaxed in mid-pack when long shot Abuela Cori made a bold move directly outside, forcing Diaz into decision mode. His knowledge of Nancy Work, the rapport they had established, simplified the rider's decisions.

“You can't get scared when you are on the rail stuck behind horses,” said Diaz, referring to the impulse to make a premature move rather than stay patient to preserve a strong finishing kick. “I just relaxed there and waited, because I didn't have any room. I think it worked out perfectly, because I put my filly on the outside nearing the quarter-mile pole and she kicked on.”

That kind of savvy decision-making, especially on the turf, has made Diaz a fan favorite here, and he says the feeling is mutual. Set to head north next week, Diaz plans to return to Oldsmar next fall and build on his solid foundation.

“I love it here,” said Diaz, who lives with his fiancée Deyanyra and 3-year-old son Andrew.

Diaz plans to depart in time to ride on the April 22 Opening Day card at Belmont Park before moving his tack to Monmouth Park for its spring-summer meeting. His agent, Shawn Klotz, said riding here for such top trainers as O'Connell, Michael Stidham, Arnaud Delacour, Christophe Clement and George Weaver can pay long-term dividends for his rider, especially at tracks with higher purse structures than Tampa Bay Downs.

“Look at all the stables that ship horses to Tampa for maiden special weight races on the turf. Stidham, Clement, Todd Pletcher, Chad Brown, Graham Motion. … the list goes on and on. It's insane,” said Klotz, who is based in Seaford, New York. “Those are opportunities to ride for bigger barns, and the benefit comes when Hector goes to the bigger tracks and has earned the trust and confidence of those trainers.”

Klotz said that is why Tampa Bay Downs is an ideal place for Diaz at this stage of his career.

“I call it opening doors,” the agent said. “Getting in with some of those bigger outfits at Tampa is only going to help him in the long run.”

A strong measure of confidence, along with his talent, work ethic and analytical approach, especially after a defeat, will do the rest.

“Sometimes I'll get to the finish and think I was just second-best, but I still watch the replay and look for something I could have done different to win,” Diaz said. “I don't watch my replays when I win. I watch the ones I lose.”

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‘Shortcuts Won’t Get You Anywhere’: Tampa Bay Derby Winner Jose Ferrer Voted Jockey Of The Month

While the track's old guard of riders has, to date, swept this season's Salt Rock Tavern Jockey of the Month Awards at Tampa Bay Downs (imagine how ancient this correspondent feels including Antonio Gallardo and Samy Camacho in an “old guard”), the influence of several new faces seems likely to be felt for years to come.

Many of those younger riders are likely to have successful careers by following the example of the current Jockey of the Month, 56-year-old Jose Ferrer. A full 28 years after he last rode in the race, Ferrer won Saturday's Grade 2 Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby on 15-1 shot Helium, then came back Wednesday to ride three winners.

Ferrer rode 10 winners from 39 mounts during the judging period, and that was just enough to wrest the award from Hector Diaz, Jr., who posted a streak of eight consecutive racing days with a victory in his bid for the honor.

You can't be a jockey without dedication, but Ferrer's devotion to his craft is exemplary. He lifts weights in a makeshift gym in his garage before and after the races and on off-days, and he rides bikes with his wife Steffi, logging 3-to-6 miles on “dark days.”

“He's the fittest guy in the world. You've never seen a guy as strong as he is,” said trainer Dennis Ward, who uses Ferrer on many of his horses.

Ferrer thrives on competition.

“You have to want it more than anyone else,” said the Santurce, Puerto Rico product, who is ninth in the Tampa Bay Downs standings with 22 victories and has ridden 4,543 career winners. “You have to be willing to sacrifice and go over the limit.

“Taking shortcuts won't get you anywhere. People who are willing to dedicate themselves the most are going to be successful, whether it's in sports or business or any field.”

Ferrer derives tremendous inspiration from Steffi and their sons Derek, 6, and Joseph, 5. Watching his boys run into the winner's circle after a victory is an awesome sight to the jockey and a treat for Tampa Bay Downs fans. “They are such a big part of my life. I'm so blessed,” Ferrer said.

To last in any profession for almost 40 years, you had better be grounded, because the road isn't always smooth. In September of 2017 at Delaware Park, Ferrer suffered a collapsed lung, eight broken ribs and three fractured vertebrae in a multi-horse spill at Delaware Park.

Someone else might have considered that a sign to retire and be thankful to have dodged disaster one final time. Yet after being told by doctors it would be at least 4-to-6 months before he could get back on a horse, Ferrer started working horses again at Tampa Bay Downs that November, and he won his fourth race back on Dec. 6 aboard Jermyn Street for trainer Keith Nations.

Ferrer finished sixth in the Oldsmar standings that season with 37 winners, but that was merely a warm-up for the following summer. On July 8 at Monmouth Park, he rode a personal-best six winners, and he ran away with the 2018 Monmouth track title with 95 victories.

Ferrer also was the recipient of the 2018 George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award, which honors a jockey whose career and personal character bring credit not only to themselves, but the sport of Thoroughbred racing. The cherished award is determined by a vote of jockeys, who select from five finalists.

Those achievements, and his 27 graded-stakes victories, place Ferrer in rarefied air. But unlike legendary 85-year-old trainer D. Wayne Lukas (who, after winning the 1999 Kentucky Derby with Charismatic, told a reporter suggesting he might consider retirement that he would be harrowed into the racetrack), Ferrer can't compete forever.

And the new wave at Tampa Bay Downs, full of competitive vim and vigor, is ready to take up the mantle.

The 31-year-old Diaz, whose career got off to a relatively late start, has been making up for lost time in his debut meeting at Tampa Bay Downs. Displaying an ability to win both on the front end and coming from behind, as well as superb timing on the turf course, Diaz has climbed to fourth in the standings with 45 victories while earning the trust of such outstanding trainers as Kathleen O'Connell, Michael Stidham and Arnaud Delacour.

Jose Batista, 24, is fifth in the standings with 26 victories, with 25-year-old Tomas Mejia tied for sixth with 25 winners and 22-year-old Isaac Castillo eighth with 24. All three are from Panama and at this stage, relatively quiet guys who let their on-track accomplishments do their talking.

Mejia and Batista finished in the top-15 in last year's Tampa Bay Downs standings, while Castillo gained valuable experience last year at Monmouth, finishing eighth in the standings with 21 winners. The youngster looks polished beyond his years.

Wilmer Garcia, 29, and Raul Mena, 28, have been around a little longer, and the majority of Tampa Bay Downs bettors have no qualms supporting either when the horse and the price look right. They also handle their business the right way in the morning, with positive attitudes and an eagerness to share insights about horses with their trainers after workouts and races.

The racetrack is a classroom, and the only way a jockey gets ahead is by being willing to learn.

“Jose Ferrer is a really good rider, and he's very good from the gate,” Mena said. “I'm always trying to pay attention to how he breaks a horse from the gate, because he knows how to get to the lead and make the rest of the field fall asleep behind him. We can take a lot of good things from all those (veteran) riders.”

The “kids” might be soft-spoken, but they aren't afraid to approach an older jockey for insights. “I have a lot of questions for (Ferrer). He's a really nice guy and a classy person who tries to teach you a lot,” Mena said. “But I also pay attention by watching him in the races, because I know he's not going to tell me all his secrets.”

Sigh. None of us will be around forever, and replacements seem always at the ready. But it's heartening to know so many members of the next generation of Tampa Bay Downs standouts have the respect, and the intelligence, to keep the tradition of safe, competitive race-riding alive through their own determination and eagerness to make the most of each opportunity.

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