Apprentice Zayas Gets First Win at Monmouth
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Apprentice jockey Jonathan Zayas earned his first career win Aug. 24 at Monmouth Park, taking the fourth race aboard Saint Goldie Locs .
"It's thrilling," said Zayas following his first winner's circle photo. "My father was a jockey and I've been around this my whole life."
His initial win came in a $10,000 claiming race for fillies and mares.
While up on the early pace, 13-2 shot Saint Goldie Locs asserted her authority for Zayas turning for home and came home by a convincing 5 3/4 lengths, going six furlongs in 1:12.07 on a fast track. Saint Goldie Locs, a 4-year-old daughter of Saint Anddan , returned $15.40 in the field of seven.
A 20-year-old native of Puerto Rico, Zayas moved to New Jersey when he was 8. He is a graduate of Monmouth Regional High School in Tinton Falls, N.J.
Saint Goldie Locs, trained by Juan Serey for owner Kirkland Taylor, was the third career mount for Zayas. Hall of Fame jockey Jorge Velasquez is the young rider's agent.