Joe Bravo departs California for Florida, where it all started

There will be a noticeable absence in the Del Mar Jockey’s room this fall. Joe Bravo has returned home. After 35 years of building a solid riding career, the veteran jockey has moved back to Florida where it all started.

“I loved racing in California,” Bravo says. “I was really grateful to be around some good people but I just got a little homesick and wanted to come back and be closer to my family.”

Bravo turned 52 in September. He began his riding career at Calder Race Course in Miami Gardens back in 1988, but a year later he had moved his tack north to Philadelphia Park, Garden State Park, the Meadowlands and even Atlantic City. For the next 30-years he plied his craft on the East Coast, returning to Gulfstream Park in the winter but then back up north by the spring.

He became known as Jersey Joe for all of the success he enjoyed in the Garden State, particularly at Monmouth Park where he won 13 riding titles. He had nine more at the Meadowlands. In 2019, Bravo moved his tack west and began riding full time in Southern California.

“I’ve been comfortable out there in California,” Bravo says. “It’s more of a personal thing. I’ve been away from family and friends I grew up with my whole life and that was behind the decision as a whole.”

He takes with him fond memories of his two years riding in California, two of which are highlights of his career; winning his first Breeders’ Cup race aboard Blue Prize in 2019 and being named recipient of the George Woolf Award.

“I was lucky enough to get the Mike Venezia award in New York,” Bravo says. “Then my first year out in California to cap that off (with the George Woolf) was really a nice welcome.

“There have been a lot (of good memories),” Bravo continues. “A couple of Grade I’s. Mr. George Papaprodromou and I could make some highlight reels.”

Bravo won a total of six graded stakes on Papaprodromou’s American Theorem, Cabo Spirit, and Spirit of Makena.

“It’s always fun dealing with good horses,” Bravo says, “and it just seems like everyone out there loves horse racing. I wish they had a little bit more of it but the people involved with it really do love their horses.“

Bravo owns a home in Ft. Lauderdale and plans to ride at Gulfstream Park this winter.

“It’s more of who am I going to get a hamburger and coffee with more than the racing of it all,” Bravo explains. “I just hope everyone understands it’s more of a personal than a business decision. I might regret it. I might be thankful.”