Edgar Prado: More Than Just a Jockey

Some might think it’s a little biased to write an article about my childhood hero, and now good friend Edgar Prado, but any fool can see this man’s desire and passion for horse racing. At the ripe old age of 49, Prado continues to pour his heart and soul into horse racing. He trains hard and exercises every day. He also loves to teach and pass on his passion and knowledge to up and coming people in the industry.

I was in tenth grade when I attended the Belmont Stakes for the first time in 2008. I convinced my mom to bring me to the track early because Edgar was having a book signing. My favorite racehorse was the beautiful, charismatic, Barbaro. Edgar had always been my favorite jockey, and it was a dream come true to meet him. I wrote him a letter that I brought to him that day, and I never thought he would respond or that it would blossom into a great friendship. Edgar has been a friend and a mentor to me. He is never too busy to chat about a horse he’s riding or answer any questions I may have.

Now a days, horse racing is strictly seen as a business; and while I can’t argue that fact, I think it can be more than just a business. It’s a passion, and love for the equine athlete. Yes, your horses pay the bills, but they should also have a place in your heart.

Feel good stories are important to horse racing fans; it might seem irrelevant, but good people and good horses as a team attract a lot of people to the sport.  That being said, I am disheartened to learn that Edgar will not be riding Runhappy in the Breeders' Cup. The brilliantly talented bay Super Saver colt has had enough drama in his career, his connections have outraged fans more than once.

“It’s a business”, “It’s all part of the game”, are phrases I’ve heard plenty of times, and I am understanding of such actions when necessary. When someone makes a foolish or irresponsible mistake, I support change.

Edgar was the one consistent factor in Runhappy’s life. He rode him to three graded stakes wins, two of them Grade 1 races, the last of course being the Breeders' Cup Sprint (Gr.1) He has rode picture perfect races on the speedy colt and has always been extremely thankful to ride such high caliber of horses. Every jockey likes to win, but Edgar is always quick to thank all connections involved and praise his horse. It’s heartwarming, inspiring, and uplifting to see such a class act in what can be a discouraging world, where everyone is caught up in money and fame, instead of the welfare of our beloved athletes.  

While best known for guiding Barbaro to a dominating win in the 2006 Kentucky Derby, he is just as well known for giving Barbaro a chance to fight for his life in the Preakness Stakes just two weeks later. Edgar’s love for Barbaro did not go unnoticed.

This article isn’t going to change anyone’s opinion, or get Edgar on Runhappy’s back in the Breeders' Cup, but I think us fans owe it to Edgar, not just for giving us the thrills on Runhappy, but for being an advocate to the sport of horse racing. His warm expression when talking about horses is contagious, his undying love and passion for the sport is inspiring to say the least. I hope the burning desire for horse racing resides in me forever as it has and always will for Edgar Prado.