In the ever-evolving world of horse racing, the Del Mar jockey colony is a melting pot of diverse talents, experiences, and aspirations. Amidst the seasoned veterans and rising stars, a remarkable story has emerged – that of Serafin Carmona, a 37-year-old apprentice jockey who is defying the odds and carving his own path to success.

Serafin Carmona: Chasing a Dream, Defying Expectations

A Late Bloomer's Ascent to the Saddle

Serafin Carmona's journey to the racetrack is a testament to the power of perseverance and the unwavering pursuit of one's dreams. Unlike most jockeys who begin their apprenticeships in their late teens or early 20s, Carmona's path took a different turn. After finishing high school and briefly attending college, he received a life-changing call from his uncle, former jockey Omar Berrio, who encouraged him to explore the world of horse racing.

Overcoming Doubts and Embracing the Challenge

Carmona's initial foray into the industry was not without its challenges. He spent 10 months working on a farm, riding young horses, as he felt he wasn't quite ready for the demands of the racetrack. However, his determination never wavered, and in 2010, he made the bold decision to venture to the United States, landing a job in California and honing his skills under the guidance of respected trainers like David Hofmans and Simon Callaghan.

The Turning Point: Embracing the Apprentice Dream

It was during his time working with trainer Kristin Mulhall that Carmona finally decided to take the plunge and pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a jockey. Overcoming his self-doubts and the preconceptions of others, he set out to prove that age is just a number when it comes to achieving one's goals.

Conquering the Odds at Canterbury and Fair Grounds

Carmona's journey to the top was not without its setbacks. He initially tried his luck at Canterbury, where he rode a few races, before heading to Delta Downs, where he was unable to secure a mount. Undeterred, he packed up his tack and headed to Fair Grounds, where he faced skepticism and a steep learning curve as a "bug boy" – a term used to describe apprentice jockeys.

Breakthrough at Fair Grounds: Serafin's First Win

It was at Fair Grounds that Carmona finally tasted success, winning his first race aboard a $15,000 claimer named Keys Included on January 28th. This victory marked a significant milestone in his journey, as he had ridden over 500 races without a win in 2024 before finally breaking through.

Serafin's Arrival at Del Mar: A Homecoming and a Revelation

With his confidence bolstered by his success at Fair Grounds, Carmona set his sights on Del Mar, a track he had long admired and where he had worked as an exercise rider for many years. His agent's suggestion to try his luck at the prestigious California venue proved to be a wise one, as Carmona quickly made an impression, winning three races at Santa Anita before setting his sights on Del Mar.

Embracing the Spotlight: Carmona's Del Mar Debut

Carmona's arrival at Del Mar was met with a mix of surprise and intrigue, as the racing community took notice of this seasoned apprentice jockey. His humble nature and unwavering determination have endeared him to both fans and industry insiders, who have rallied behind his inspiring story.

Charting a Path Forward: Carmona's Future Plans

As Carmona continues to make his mark at Del Mar, he remains grounded and focused on the task at hand. With plans to finish the current meet and then return to Fair Grounds for the winter, Carmona is taking his success in stride, determined to continue his upward trajectory and prove that age is no barrier to achieving one's dreams.