One of the most beloved figures in all of horse racing, jockey Victor Espinoza, made his stakes return after facing lengthy rehabilitation and questions as to whether he might ever ride again, on Bob Baffert’s favored Much Better in the Bay Shore S.-G3 at Aqueduct yesterday, April 6.
No doubt legions of fans both at the track and watching at home were cheering for Espinoza, as Much Better completed fast fractions to lead all the way over Mind Control, ridden by John Velazquez. Until the final sixteenth, when Mind Control brought a serious battle to Much Better, and the two stellar horses and jockeys vied until a thrilling finish which featured Mind Control drawing away by a length.
Much Better was game until the end, though, as was Espinoza, flashing the courage, patience, and desire to win for which he is famous. Bravo to Baffert for giving Espinoza the mount, and, as always, kudos to Espinoza. It’s so good to have him back!
— Roberta Smoodin