'I'm a fighter'; jockey Mena back in top form after injury

One year ago jockey Miguel Mena was wondering whether he'd ever ride again after severely breaking his ankle in March of 2018.

Entering Sunday’s nine-race program at Churchill Downs, Mena left no doubt he was back in top form as he was tied atop the jockey standings with Corey Lanerie.

“I’m a fighter and won’t let an injury put me out of the game,” Mena said. “At this point last year I was laying on the couch trying to heal my ankle. Now, I’m giving Corey, and the rest of the guys in the room, a run for their money in the standings. It feels great to be back.”

Mena was hurt at Fair Grounds when his mount clipped heels in the stretch run of a $5,000 claiming event. The injury resulted in eight fractured bones in his ankle and heel.

“The injury developed blisters and it was in pretty bad shape,” Mena said. “Luckily it healed mostly on its own.”

Mena was born in Lima, Peru, with horse racing running deep in his pedigree. His father, Jose, was a Peruvian jockey and uncle was a trainer. Mena came to the U.S. in 2004 to follow the footsteps of fellow Peruvian jockeys Edgar Prado and Rafael Bejarano. 

Mena returned to the saddle in September and rode his first race back from injury in October at Keeneland. The 32-year-old finished the 2018-2019 Fair Grounds meet with 37 victories and entered Sunday’s card at Churchill with 17 wins through 89 starts.

Mena retained the top spot in the rider standings Saturday with a trio of wins aboard Griff (Race 2), Miltontown (Race 5) and Praetorian (Race 6). He was scheduled to ride five races Sunday and seven more Monday.