Mirco Demuro Del Mar: Veteran Jockey Pursues American Dream
The Del Mar summer season has welcomed a familiar yet unexpected addition to its jockey colony. Mirco Demuro, a 46-year-old rider from Italy with more than three decades of international success, has arrived in California to chase his lifelong ambition—winning a Grade I race in America.
Though new to the current Del Mar circuit, Demuro is far from an ordinary newcomer. His career has spanned Italy, Europe, Japan, Dubai, and beyond, where he became a household name and one of the most successful foreign jockeys to compete in Japan.
Early Lessons in America
Demuro’s first exposure to American racing came as a teenager. “I was 17 when I came to the United States for the first time,” Demuro recalls. “My dream was to be like Jerry Bailey. I loved his style of riding—he was so cool on the horse.”
Back then, he was surrounded by legends like Alex Solis, Laffit Pincay, and David Flores, finding opportunities limited but invaluable. What he did take back home was the art of judging race pace, something that made him highly sought-after in Italy.
“I learned the pace up here,” he explains, tapping his head. “That helped me win big races back in Italy and start building my reputation.”
Rising Through Europe and Japan
Demuro quickly became Italy’s leading jockey from 1997 to 2000, winning Group races across England, France, and Hong Kong. His international breakthrough came when Japan’s Shadai Farm invited him to ride in their competitive circuit.
Initially restricted to three-month licenses, Demuro had to prove himself repeatedly by returning home and maintaining his spot as Italy’s top rider. In 2003, he made history by becoming the first foreign jockey to win the Japanese Derby, riding Neo Universe.
By 2008, he had also captured the Japan Cup aboard Screen Hero, solidifying his reputation as one of the world’s elite riders.
Dubai Glory and Japanese Stardom
Demuro’s career reached new heights in 2011 when he partnered Victoire Pisa to win the Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest horse race at the time. The win carried added significance, coming shortly after Japan’s devastating earthquake and tsunami.
“I used my American clock and made a move on the backstretch,” Demuro recalled of the tactical decision that led to victory. The triumph remains one of the greatest highlights of his career.
In 2015, he officially became a full-time licensed jockey in Japan, alongside Christophe Lemaire, marking the first time foreigners achieved that status. Over the next decade, Demuro accumulated more than 1,300 wins in Japan, joining an elite group of just 30 riders in the nation’s history.
A New Chapter at Del Mar
After three decades abroad, Demuro has shifted his focus to the United States. With business declining in Japan over recent years, he has chosen to pursue the dream that began when he was 17.
“I’m 46 years old, so it’s no more about money,” Demuro says. “It’s about reaching my goals.”
Since his arrival at Del Mar in July, he has ridden in 37 races, notching three wins. Breaking into the competitive Southern California circuit is no easy task, but his perseverance and resume suggest success may be within reach.
For now, Demuro plans to stay in California for three months before reevaluating his options. If his past is any indication, his three-month stints often lead to major breakthroughs.
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