Talking Derby With California Chrome's jockey Victor Espinoza

Victor Espinoza will ride likely favorite California Chrome in the Kentucky Derby. (Photo by Benoit Photo)

Jockey Victor Espinoza won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in 2002 with War Emblem and the veteran is the regular rider of Santa Anita Derby winner California Chrome, the early favorite for this year’s Kentucky Derby on May 3 at Churchill Downs.

Jose Contreras: How did you feel after winning the Santa Anita Derby?

Victor Espinoza: Super excited. Way more excited than the last time I won it in 2011 with Midnight Interlude because of the way California Chrome did it. It was incredible the way California Chrome ran.

Contreras: How did you feel the first time you won the Kentucky Derby (War Emblem)?

Espinoza: I didn’t really get to feel what it was. It happened too fast and by surprise. Ten days out I didn’t have a mount in the race and 10 days later I had won the Kentucky Derby aboard a horse I had never ridden before. When War Emblem broke out of the gate, I went to the lead and that was it. This time around I feel more excited because I have been with California Chrome for a while.

Contreras: Any comparisons between War Emblem and California Chrome?

Espinoza: They are both nice horses but the difference, other than their color, is that War Emblem liked to go the lead. With him it was go to the front and see how far you can last. With California Chrome it is different; he can run from anywhere.

Contreras: What post position would you like to get in the Kentucky Derby?

Espinoza: To tell you the truth, I still haven’t thought much about the post position, but I think any position would be fine as long as it’s not 1 or 2 or 3. Let’s hope we get the lucky number.

Contreras: Are you going to take any friends and family to Kentucky? How many ticket requests have you received?

Espinoza: (Laughs). Not many. With a trip like this, I prefer to go alone so that I don’t have to worry about family or friends so that I can focus on my ride. I think only two friends are coming along.

Contreras: Do you feel pressure having the favorite going into the Kentucky Derby?

Espinoza: Not at the moment. I feel excited more than anything. As the days get closer it might change, because that’s when you know you have to do your best.

Contreras: How many races have you have won in a day?

Espinoza: Seven. It was at Del Mar, that’s the record there. I almost won nine that day.

Contreras: What do you like to do on your days off?

Espinoza: A lot of things; nothing that has to do with horses though. I really like to disconnect and refresh. I have a home in Del Mar, and I like going there on my days off and going to the beach. I have a friend that works in the technology world, and I like learning as much as I can. He has a company with about 200 employees and they knew nothing about horses until I started going. Now they are all fans of racing and even watch me ride on television.

Contreras: What is your favorite food and drink?

Espinoza: I don’t drink. I drink a lot of water, and my favorite soft drink is Sprite. Pasta is my favorite food.

Contreras: What is your favorite sport other than horse racing?

Espinoza: I don’t really have a favorite but I do follow the [Los Angeles] Lakers. I have a friend that is involved in the ownership of the team, so I go to the games and support him. I like the [Los Angeles] Clippers, too. I also go to hockey games.

Contreras: We wish you and California Chrome the best of luck in Kentucky.