Sometimes, dreams take the long way home. For 45-year-old apprentice jockey Carlos Martinez, the journey from a hopeful boy in Venezuela to a winner at Gulfstream Park on Sunday was paved with patience, perseverance, and an unwavering love for horses.
After decades spent working behind the scenes—first as an exercise rider and later as a loyal hand to some of America’s top trainers—Martinez finally lived the moment he had visualized countless times: riding his first winner. The emotion that followed was as genuine as they come.
“I always wanted to be a jockey,” said Martinez through an interpreter, his voice trembling as he stood in the Gulfstream winner’s circle. “I thank God. I’m very excited. I thank the trainers for the opportunity.”
A Dream Deferred, But Never Forgotten
Martinez’s story is one of quiet determination. Back in Venezuela, he rode in a few unofficial apprentice races but soon faced the harsh reality of weight management—a challenge that ended his early racing hopes. In 2012, he moved to the United States, where he worked tirelessly as an exercise rider for Mike Maker for five years and Chad Brown for three.
For most, that would have been enough—a respectable career in the sport he loved. But Martinez never let the flame die out. Between morning workouts and afternoon gallops, he stayed fit, learned from top horsemen, and waited patiently for the chance to don the silks again.
Victory in Race 4: Saybrook Delivers the Moment
The long wait ended in Race 4 on Sunday at Gulfstream Park—a 6½-furlong sprint for $8,000 claimers. Martinez partnered with the Carlos Perez-trained Saybrook, breaking sharply from the gate to seize the lead early. Showing poise beyond his official experience, Martinez urged Saybrook forward through the stretch, fending off late challengers to score by a neck at the wire.
The victory, worth far more in emotion than in purse money, paid $9.60 to win. The cheers from the winner’s circle told the rest of the story—a man who had worked in the shadows for years was finally basking in the light.
The Road Ahead
Though Sunday marked just his third official mount, Martinez’s performance suggested there’s more to come. He’s already been named on one mount for Friday’s Gulfstream card, partnering Nolan Ramsey-trained Torch is Passed in Race 9.
For Martinez, every ride from here will feel like a blessing. His win wasn’t just about breaking through—it was about proving that persistence pays off, no matter how long the road or how late the start.
