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Bejarano Thoroughbred Times Jockey of the Week

Jul 24th, 08
Monzante's come-from-behind victory in the Eddie Read Handicap (GI) on Sunday at Del Mar helped put jockey Rafael Bejarano at the top of the list of North American jockeys by earnings for the week ended July 22.

A native of Peru, Bejarano began his riding career in 1999, winning the apprentice title at Hippodromo de Monterrico in his home country. In 2002, he journeyed to the United States, racing at River Downs in Ohio.

Bejarano, 26, claimed the first of 82 graded stakes victories in the 2003 Kentucky Cup Juvenile Stakes (GIII) at Turfway Park aboard Mr. Jester. In 2004, he led all North American riders with 455 wins.

Bejarano has enjoyed great success in Kentucky winning riding titles at Keeneland Race Course's spring and fall meets in 2005. He also secured riding titles at Turfway Park and Ellis Park that year.

Bejarano currently ranks second in earnings for 2008, with $9,005,738, trailing only Garrett Gomez. His most successful mounts this year include Heatseeker (Ire), El Gato Malo, Big Booster, and 2007 Breeders' Cup Distaff (GI) winner Ginger Punch. Thoroughbred Times TODAY

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