In the world of horse racing, there are few jockeys who can match the current form of Juan Hernandez. With a string of impressive victories at Del Mar and Santa Anita, Hernandez has firmly established himself as one of the top riders in the industry. As he prepares to defend his crown at the upcoming Del Mar meet, the spotlight shines brightly on this talented jockey and his unwavering pursuit of success.

Unstoppable Momentum: Hernandez's Winning Streak

Hernandez's recent run of success is nothing short of remarkable. Over the last seven meets at Del Mar, dating back to the fall of 2021, he has won the riding title an astounding five times, including the last four in a row. This impressive feat is further bolstered by his six consecutive titles at Santa Anita, dating back to the winter meet in 2023. Hernandez's ability to consistently outperform his peers has placed him in elite company, with only the likes of Flavien Prat and Irad Ortiz Jr. rivaling his current dominance.As Hernandez returns to Del Mar this fall, he is determined to maintain his winning ways and defend his title. The jockey attributes his success to a combination of factors, including the support of the owners and trainers who have entrusted him with top-quality horses, as well as his own unwavering passion for the sport.

The Allure of Del Mar

Hernandez's affinity for Del Mar is evident in his words and actions. The seaside racetrack holds a special place in his heart, and he relishes the opportunity to compete there. "I love Del Mar," Hernandez says. "I like the people of Del Mar. They are horse racing people, so you can feel the energy. And I like the track, both the dirt and the turf. The turf course is really nice."Unlike the summer meet, Hernandez will have to commute between Arcadia and Del Mar during the five-week Bing Crosby season. This logistical challenge does not deter him, as he is willing to make the necessary sacrifices to maintain his presence at both tracks. "I go back and forth," he explains. "I get there (Del Mar) on Friday and race on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and then go back Sunday night after the races because I have to work horses at Santa Anita Monday morning."

Navigating the Breeders' Cup

Hernandez's success extends beyond the confines of Del Mar and Santa Anita. He has also made his mark on the prestigious Breeders' Cup, having just completed his sixth appearance at the event. While he may not have had the same level of success as in his local meets, Hernandez still managed to secure some impressive results."It was really good," Hernandez reflects on his Breeders' Cup experience. "but I didn't have enough horses for this Cup. I only rode three Breeders' Cup races this year but I was happy with my horses." Despite the limited opportunities, Hernandez still managed to secure a fourth-place finish with Getaway Car in the Juvenile race, as well as a third-place finish with Pleasant in the Sprint for fillies. Although his mount Muth did not fire in the Dirt Mile, Hernandez remains confident in the horse's abilities, stating, "I still think he's a good horse and I like him a lot."

Chasing History at Del Mar

As Hernandez prepares to defend his Del Mar riding title, he finds himself in elite company. The last time someone won five straight riding titles at the iconic racetrack was the legendary Bill Shoemaker, who accomplished the feat between 1949 and 1954. Hernandez's ability to match or even surpass Shoemaker's accomplishments would cement his status as one of the greatest jockeys of his era."Looks like everything is working the right way for me," Hernandez says with confidence. "At the same time I'm riding for the right people. I'm really thankful to the owners and the trainers for giving me the good horses to ride. I feel real good right now. I feel like I'm in my zone. I love to ride horses, and I work hard to win races."As the Del Mar meet approaches, all eyes will be on Juan Hernandez as he seeks to continue his remarkable run of success. With his unwavering determination, exceptional riding skills, and the support of the industry's top connections, Hernandez is poised to write another chapter in his storied career, solidifying his place among the greats of the sport.