Rafael Bejarano

Rafael Bejarano became just the 15th jockey to record as many at 500 victories at historic Churchill Downs when the debuting juvenile filly Just Cindy (Justify) validated 6-5 favoritism for trainer Eddie Kenneally Friday afternoon. A native of Peru who will celebrate his 40th birthday June 23, Bejarano began riding at the Louisville oval in 2003 and earned three riding titles (Spring, 2004-5, Fall 2005) before shifting his tack to California in 2008. Arguably Bejarano's finest hour in the saddle came beneath the Twin Spires in 2010, when he shoved...

Apr. 26 - May 2    Every week, the TDN publishes a roundup of key official rulings from the primary tracks within the four major racing jurisdictions of California, New York, Florida and Kentucky.     Here's a primer on how each of these jurisdictions adjudicates different offenses, what they make public (or not) and where.   CALIFORNIA Track: Santa Anita Date: 05/01/2022 Licensee: Victor Espinoza, jockey Penalty: $1,500 fine Violation: Excessive use of the whip Explainer: Jockey Victor Espinoza is fined $1,500 for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule...

Funeral services for longtime jockey agent Steven Elzey will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur. Burial will follow at Decatur Cemetery. Family and friends will be received Tuesday from 2 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service Wednesday. Elzey, 64, passed away last Wednesday at his home in Tampa, Florida. A former jockey, Elzey spent over 30 years as a jockey agent, working for such riders as Rafael Bejarano, Miguel Mena, Willie Martinez, Rosemary Homeister,...