Orlando Mojica may not be new to regular horse players but he is Canterbury’s newest jockey. He first started riding in Puerto Rico where he attended jockey school. He then made his professional riding debut in North America in 2000. Mojica has had a very successful career and is now less than 10 wins away from his 2,000th win.
Q: Where are you from?
A: I’m originally from Puerto Rico, but I now call Indiana home.
Q: When did you start riding and why?
A: I started in jockey school and then got invited to the Jockey Challenge, and I won and got to represent my country.
Q: How does it feel to be nearing 2,000 wins?
A: It feels good! My first dream was to be a leading rider and I did that more than once. Then my next goal was to win 1,000 races and I did that a long time ago. And now my third big goal is to get 2,000 wins and hopefully I can achieve that here.
Q: Where have you raced in the past?
A: I started in New Jersey and stayed there galloping but I’ve also raced at Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, and now Minnesota.
Q: If you weren’t a jockey, what would you be doing?
A: That’s a good question, but I really like art so maybe an artist or maybe a dancer. I used to be a break dancer when I was younger.
Q: What’s one of your favorite memories while riding?
A: My biggest race was when I won with a filly in a grade two race in Kentucky.
Q: Do you do anything specific before the races?
A: I like to run every day and I also make sure I stretch myself out.
Q: What are your dreams for the future?
A: Be the best role model that I can be for my kids.
Q: Is there anything new you’d like to learn how to do?
A: Every day is a new challenge to me and I like to do anything. Right now I’m learning how to cook more but overall I’m an individual who likes the challenge.
by Megan Johnson
Press Box Assistant
