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April 25, 2023

The Legend of Angel Cordero Jr.: A Record-Breaking Jockey’s Triumphs and Tragedies

Have you ever heard of Angel Cordero Jr.? He was a Puerto Rican jockey who became one of the most accomplished jockeys in horse racing history. Cordero Jr. was born on November 8, 1942, in Santurce, Puerto Rico, and started his career as a jockey in 1960. He went on to become a household name in the horse racing industry, setting records and winning countless races.

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the life and accomplishments of Angel Cordero Jr. through a storytelling approach. We will discuss each aspect of his career, from his early days as a jockey to his record-breaking accomplishments. We will also shed light on the tragedies he faced, both personal and professional.

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Early Days on The Racecourse: Angel Cordero Jr. Begins His Journey

Angel Cordero Jr. began his career as a jockey in Puerto Rico, where he won his first race at the age of 16. He quickly rose to fame and became the leading rider in Puerto Rico in just a few years. He then moved to the United States in 1962, hoping to make a name for himself in the American horse racing industry.

Upon his arrival, he caught the attention of many trainers and horse owners due to his fearless and aggressive riding style. Despite facing some initial setbacks, Cordero Jr. persevered and eventually landed a job with one of the top trainers of the time, Woody Stephens.

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Record-Breaking Accomplishments: Angel Cordero Jr.’s Winning Streak

Angel Cordero Jr. quickly became one of the most successful jockeys in the history of horse racing. He won a total of 7,057 races, making him the fourth-winningest jockey of all time. He also won numerous prestigious races, including three editions of the Kentucky Derby, one Belmont Stakes, and five editions of the Preakness Stakes.

Cordero Jr. was known for his ability to read a horse and his mastery of the whip. He was also fearless in the saddle, often taking risky moves that other jockeys wouldn’t dare to attempt. His record-breaking accomplishments cemented his status as a legend in the horse racing industry.

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The Tragedies That Struck Angel Cordero Jr.

Although Angel Cordero Jr.’s career was full of success and achievements, he also faced numerous tragedies in his personal life. In 1988, he suffered a near-fatal fall in a race at Saratoga Race Course that left him with severe injuries. He had to take a break from horse racing and underwent multiple surgeries and weeks of rehabilitation.

Cordero Jr. also faced personal tragedies, including the death of his son who was killed in a car accident in 2004. Despite these challenges, Cordero Jr. remained resilient and returned to the saddle, riding until his retirement in 1992.

Angel Cordero Jr.’s Legacy in Horse Racing

Angel Cordero Jr.’s impact on the horse racing industry was profound. He revolutionized the jockey’s role in horse racing, proving that jockeys could become stars in their own right. He also paved the way for other Latin American jockeys to make a name for themselves in the American horse racing industry.

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Cordero Jr.’s fearless and aggressive riding style inspired a new generation of jockeys, and his record-breaking accomplishments cemented his legacy in horse racing history. Today, his name is synonymous with excellence and bravery in the saddle.

FAQs:

1. What is Angel Cordero Jr. known for?

Angel Cordero Jr. is known for being one of the most accomplished jockeys in horse racing history. He won a total of 7,057 races, making him the fourth-winningest jockey of all time. He also won prestigious races, including three editions of the Kentucky Derby.

2. What was Angel Cordero Jr.’s riding style?

Angel Cordero Jr.’s riding style was fearless and aggressive. He was known for taking risky moves that other jockeys wouldn’t dare to attempt. He was also a master of the whip and could read a horse like no other jockey.

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3. What was Angel Cordero Jr.’s biggest win?

Angel Cordero Jr.’s biggest win was his victory in the 1985 Kentucky Derby aboard Spend A Buck.

4. When did Angel Cordero Jr. retire?

Angel Cordero Jr. retired from horse racing in 1992.

5. What challenges did Angel Cordero Jr. face in his personal life?

Angel Cordero Jr. faced numerous tragedies in his personal life, including the near-fatal fall in 1988 that left him with severe injuries and the death of his son in a car accident in 2004.

6. What is Angel Cordero Jr.’s legacy in horse racing?

Angel Cordero Jr.’s impact on the horse racing industry was profound. He revolutionized the jockey’s role in horse racing and paved the way for other Latin American jockeys to make a name for themselves in the American horse racing industry.

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7. What horse racing events did Angel Cordero Jr. win?

Angel Cordero Jr. won numerous prestigious races, including three editions of the Kentucky Derby, one Belmont Stakes, and five editions of the Preakness Stakes.

The Final Word

Angel Cordero Jr.’s life and career were full of triumphs and tragedies. He became one of the most accomplished jockeys in the history of horse racing and revolutionized the role of the jockey. He overcame personal and professional challenges to cement his legacy as a legend in the horse racing industry.

As we look back on Angel Cordero Jr.’s life, we can’t help but be inspired by his resilience, bravery, and dedication. His legacy will continue to inspire horse racing fans and those who dream of making a name for themselves in any industry.

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So, let us all take a moment to remember the legend of Angel Cordero Jr. and honor his contributions to the world of horse racing. Finally, let us all be inspired by his story and strive to achieve our own triumphs, no matter how big or small they may be.

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