Ten Things You Should Know About Joe Santos

Joe Santos (left) at Turfway on March 15 with jockey Didiel Osorio, who won three races on the card.
Joe Santos is quickly making a name for himself on the horse-racing scene. The fresh-faced, 19-year-old jockey agent recently landed Kent Desormeaux as a client and has his sights on a rapid ascent through the sport.
Below are ten things you need to know about Joe Santos, son of Hall of Fame jockey Jose Santos, who was the regular rider of 2003 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner Funny Cide. 
Mike Johnson: You have deep bloodlines in horse racing, with your dad having been a successful jockey. There are a number of different avenues to seek employment in the industry. How did you determine that working as a jockey agent would be the right spot for you?
Joe Santos: I’ve always had a lot of interest in the conditions of the races. I thought I’d be a trainer or a racing manager when I got too tall to be a jockey. My dad had me doing some book work [booking mounts for jockeys] in Delaware, and that’s how I figured out I knew a lot about this aspect.
I started representing jockeys in high school in Florida. I had Eddie Dominguez and Angel Moreno. When I got [to Kentucky], I had a great opportunity, thanks to Nelson Arroyo, who is Stewart Elliot’s agent. Just recently, Nelson Arroyo hooked me up with “Jockey Agent Lou,” Lou Rivera. They hooked me up with Kent Desormeaux and I now have the opportunity to begin working with him.
Johnson: Kent Desormeaux has a few years on you in age, how do you relate with him and how has your relationship developed with him?
Santos: We all have the same idea in mind. We want to bring Kent back to the top of the game, where he belongs. If you look at history, there’s no doubt that he’s one of the best jockeys ever. He’s got three Derbys, he’s a Hall of Fame rider and he’s one every stakes race in the book.
It was a no-brainer for me to team up with him. I guess they landed on me based on what I’ve been doing here in Kentucky and my knowledge of the game. I’ve known Kent since I was really young, just from being around racing. I’m really excited to be working with him and he’s always been great to me. 
Johnson: Give me three ways your friends would describe your personality.  
Santos: First, focused on racing. Secondly, I would say I go out of the way for people. If people are good to me, whether they be friends or whatever, I try to help them as much as I possibly can. And finally, determined.
Johnson: You’re currently in college at Bellarmine University, what’s your favorite class and why?
Santos: TV production because I like to edit videos, and it’s probably the only interesting thing I’m doing at school [laughs]. Although, it doesn’t have anything to do with the horses, I do it just for fun and interesting.
Johnson: Do you have any advice for young folks who have an eye on a potential career in the sport of horse racing?
Santos: Don’t let your age hold you back. A lot of people, when I first became an agent over at Turfway, would say ‘Oh, what does this kid know? He’s 19 years old.’ That’s right. I may be 19 years old, but I’ve been involved in horse racing for 19 years, which is a lot more than many people that are in the game currently.
My first day at the racetrack, I was six days old and my dad won the Sanford [Stakes] and the next day he won the Whitney [Handicap]. Your experience is important; but don’t let your age hold you back.
Johnson: What is the most demanding and most rewarding aspect of your work?
Santos: It’s funny because it’s the same thing. The hardest part is the early mornings, but I really don’t mind it because there’s nowhere else I’d rather be. Any day of the week, I’d rather be at Keeneland at 6 a.m. than lying in bed. Being around the horsemen and the people you’ve known your whole life and you’re closest with makes it worthwhile.
Johnson: Fast-forward 10 years, what do you envision yourself having accomplished and doing professionally?
Santos: Hopefully, if this agent thing really pulls through, I hope to be one of the top agents in North America. If not, I don’t see what’s wrong with taking the path of being a bloodstock agent. I’m pretty sure I’ve worked hard enough for this jockey agent route to work out though.
Johnson: If you weren’t working in horse racing, what would be your next career choice?
Santos: I played soccer here at Bellarmine, and before I got injured last year I would say something in soccer. Before I got hurt, I thought about going down to Chile to play for the professional team down in my dad’s hometown. It was definitely something I thought about. 
Johnson: Favorite horse of all time?
Santos: Native Dancer. 
Johnson: Top artist played on your iPod right now?
Santos: That’s a tough one, but I’d say Chance The Rapper.