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Jorge began riding at the age of 20, when a friend took him to a Peruvian racetrack for the first time. He won his first race on July 15, 1982 aboard a horse named Marst. In 1986 and 1987, he became the National champion jockey at Hippodromo de Monterrico. Since leaving Peru and coming to the USA in 1988 for what was supposed to be a vacation, Jorge has achieved tremendous success as a jockey. After just one year in the USA, he became the leading rider at Gulfstream Park in 1989. He later won back-to-back titles in 1999, 2000 and 2001.
Jorge moved to NY in 1990 to reign as New York's leading rider for six consecutive years: 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997,1998 and 1999. He holds a total of 12 riding tiles at NYRA meets. Ultimately, Jorge came to NY looking for a more competitive and national market. Riding with jockeys of more experience and horses of greater caliber, he quickly became known and loved for his fierce style and sportsmanship.
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In 1999, Jorge reached a career zenith, finishing third in earnings ($17,013,337) while winning 319 races, including the Breeders' Cup Sprint aboard Artax and the BC Distaff with Beautiful Pleasure. He was honored for his accomplishments by being named the Eclipse Award winner as leading jockey.
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Jorge achieved another major victory on May 5, 2001 when he won the 127th Kentucky Derby aboard Monarchos. This race put Jorge in the record books because it was the second fastest derby, just two-fifth’s of a second shy of Secretariat’s record set in 1973. During a career spanning nearly 23,500 races, Jorge has won more than $143 million in purses.
Upon becoming a leading jockey in the US, Jorge’s life changed dramatically. Jorge spent most of his youth alone and sleeping in cars. He was born in poverty and a product of a broken home, which led to him running away, and supporting himself from age 9. Although Jorge has always admitted that he was poor and struggled to make money, he was never hungry because he always worked. Over the years, Jorge came to terms with the unfortunate circumstances of his childhood and harbors no ill feelings. Much of his fan base is composed of immigrants, everyday people, and young Hispanics who find his story inspiring and are able to identify with his persistence and all of the challenges he overcame.
Jorge’s career is full of professional accomplishments. Here are some highlights:
*Captured his two career Breeders' Cup victories at Gulfstream Park, piloting Beautiful Pleasure (Distaff) and Artax (Sprint). Both horses earned Eclipse Awards in 1999.
*Threw out ceremonial first pitch at Yankee Stadium on June 7, 2001, after his Kentucky Derby triumph.
* Won the 1999 Eclipse Award as Best Jockey, the same year he was ranked third nationally in wins and earnings.
* Honored in Peru at Hippodromo de Monterrico for his legacy in 1997.
* Winner of the 2000 Mike Venezia Memorial Award, which acknowledges extraordinary sportsmanship and citizenship.
* Equaled the Gulfstream Park 6-furlong track record when he won the Breeders' Cup Sprint in 1:07 4/5 on Nov. 6, 1999.
* Presented with the Eddie Arcaro Award for outstanding jockey by the New York Turf Writers Association for 1997 and 1998.
Jorge Chavez’ most recent milestone was achieved on January 21, 2005 when he earned his 4000th victory-- a milestone only 43 others have achieved-- aboard Rizzi Reuben during the fourth race at Gulfstream Park.
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