Francisco Martinez, featured in TDN last year when he got his first win at age 30, has returned to riding–and the winner's circle–after spending three months on the sidelines due to injuries sustained in a Feb. 5 spill. He was the leading apprentice rider at Parx in 2024 after kicking off his career in March of last year.
“It means a lot to me and my people that follow me and support what I do to get the opportunity to come back like this,” said Martinez. “I couldn't wait to get back in the saddle and win a race. There is no feeling like being one with the horse and being able to show what we can do. There is nothing better than winning a race and then thanking the horse for the ride and having the horse look back at you saying we did it. They have as much feelings as we do.”
Martinez returned to action Monday at Parx, winning the fifth race aboard Jamie Ness trainee Persuasive (Omaha Beach) in his first start. He won two additional races Tuesday and now has 127 victories from 884 career starts.
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