Inner Track Profile: Guarionex Rivera

Guarionex Rivera has never been one to back down from a challenge.

Instead of enrolling in jockey school, he taught himself how to ride.

Instead of beginning his career in his native Puerto Rico, he immigrated to the United States where he started galloping horses prior to competing in his first race last September.

And when Rivera was looking for a place to ply his trade this winter, the apprentice decided to come to Aqueduct Racetrack, despite its deep riding colony.

“A couple of people told me, ‘Don’t go to Aqueduct because it will be hard for you,’ said Rivera. “Most people wanted me to go somewhere else, but for what? New York is where you learn from the best jockeys. That’s why I’m here.”

Hailing from Caguas, Puerto Rico, Rivera was introduced to racing through his father’s ownership of an off-track betting facility. After studying psychology for two years at Turabo University, he dropped out to become a jockey.

“I learned everything by myself,” said Rivera. “I had wanted to be a jockey for a long time. I bought my own equipment and worked hard every day.”

Rivera moved to the United States three years ago and began exercising horses at Finger Lakes Race Track for trainer Charlton Baker, who gave the apprentice a leg-up when he earned his first victory on November 8 aboard Turned to Gold.

After closing the Finger Lakes meet with five more wins, Rivera opted to move his tack to Aqueduct for the winter.

“If other people can ride at Aqueduct, why can’t I?” said Rivera. “I try to keep positive.”

Rivera won his first race at the Big A on January 7, and, after picking up his second win on February 5, the apprentice rattled off three more victories in the ensuing four weeks. Through Wednesday, Rivera is 5-0-4 from 65 mounts who have earned $79,672.

“Before, I would ride one horse per day who wouldn’t have much of a chance,” said Rivera. “But now I ride two or three horses, and I know they have a chance.”

More importantly, Rivera has gained invaluable experience by competing against some of the best jockeys on the East coast.

“At other tracks you can ride super tight, but here I learned what you need to do when you make a move. I didn’t know that then, but I know that now. When I first started riding here, I was riding like I was at Finger Lakes.”

Rivera is also thrilled he’s had the opportunity to show off his riding ability on The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) circuit.

“I’ve made good connections,” said Rivera. “I tell myself, ‘Keep going, keep going, keep going! You’re going to make it!’”