With four wins Saturday, Joel Rosario broke a tie with Rafael Bejarano
to take an undisputed lead in Santa Anita’s jockey standings, 20-16,
through 18 racing days.
Good horses and a good agent contribute to the success of the
27-year-old Rosario, a native of the Dominican Republic, but an
intangible is a major factor, too.
“He’s been here two years now and he’s adapted well,” said
Rosario’s agent, Ron Ebanks. “He’s much more comfortable with the
language, and the people support him so strongly that it gives him so
much more confidence, and confidence is crucial in any sport.
“We were kind of in a bit of a struggle before yesterday’s
four-bagger, but we were still in the lead. Overall, we’re having a
great meet. A lot of things came together yesterday and it was good that
we were able to get a stay (putting a five-day suspension on hold,
enabling Rosario to continue riding).
“But Joel’s confidence level is something that just carries him.
You never see him rattled, you never see him upset. He doesn’t get down
very much, whereas a lot of riders I’ve had show big emotional swings.
He stays pretty even-keeled and that’s a huge advantage to a young
rider.”