We recently had former jockey, current jockey agent Nelson Arroyo on Past The Wire TV. It really is a must see episode as you won’t find more real talk about a wide variety topics on racing anywhere. Get a glimpse behind the scenes and catch it here:
One of the many things we spoke about was Nelson’s niche of finding young and talented riders in Puerto Rico and bringing them to the states to launch their careers. He doesn’t only take their books and find them mounts, he mentors them and gives them what we would call a secondary jockey school.
Apprentice Carlos Barbosa is the latest Nelson Arroyo find. Like Irad and Jose Ortiz, Manny Franco, John Velazquez and many others Carlos Barbosa attended Escuela Vocational Hipica Augustin Mercado Reveron jockey school in Puerto Rico. he was taught by former riders William Lozano and Carlos Marquez. It was Lozano who brought Barbosa to Arroyo’s attention.
“When Bill told me about him I watched all his races. Every one. He rode 10 races and has one win but I saw a lot I liked, I mean a lot. He has the right type of seat and hands and really looked like someone I can teach and work with. I think there is always room for a talented apprentice, especially in California.”
Nelson Arroyo
Arroyo has had success he has brought to California in the past. he is going to start Barbosa at Golden Gate Fields with the goal of bring him to the Southern California circuit and rising at Santa Anita and Del Mar.
“I think he could start at Santa Anita now, but I am choosing a different path instead. I look at both Juan Hernandez and Abel Cedillo coming from Northern California to Southern California and both having success.”
Nelson Arroyo
Carlos Barbosa is set to hit the ground in California shortly and Arroyo plans to have him on horses as early as the February 10th, 2023 card at Golden Gate fields.
Photo: Courtesy of Nelson Arroyo
