Remembering Manuel Ycaza
Manuel Ycaza died on July 16th at the age of 80. He was the first of many Hispanic riders who now dominate the Grand Game of Thoroughbred Racing in the US. From his early years in Panama, (he was riding ponies & horses at age 6) he aspired to become a top rider in the US. After arriving in the US, he developed what I would call an outsiders perspective on what would become his career. Observing the top American riders at Belmont Park in NY, he once said " These Belmont jockeys they are the velvet, and I am the corduroy. ”
The all too often injured and frequently suspended Ycaza retired in 1971, thus his career ended a bit too soon for a young man, who's early interests were that most exciting of all games of skill and a larger than life brunette. Those were glorious times for the young & the impulsive. Ycaza was referenced in Tom Ainslie's "Complete Guide to Thoroughbred Racing" (published in 1968, it was the first book to explain handicapping fundamentals to the general public). Even the hard cover edition was a constant companion for a devoted 18 year old. It is there we first learn of Ycaza's intimidating, aggressive style.
Ycaza on the left, his elbow drifting into John Rotz.
Ycaza was probably suspended more than any other jockey. He developed a reputation for aggressive riding and a fiery temper. The suspensions did impact his career. Some owners & trainers declined his services, while others liked him on big hard to handle mounts.
Despite the suspensions & injuries, Ycaza had an illustrious career. In addition to winning many prestigious American races, he found the winners circle 2,367 times from 10,561 mounts. In 1977 he was inducted into the National Museum of Racing & Hall of Fame. Many Latin American jockeys would follow, some would be regarded as the greatest riders in the history of racing, but Manny ( always to be remembered) was the first Latin American jockey to be honored.
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Dedicated to all those who dream the big dream
That is a nice tribute to him. He had a dream and made it come true. Does it get any better than that?