Apprentice Aragon Pilots First Winner
Description:
Apprentice jockey Rolando "Ronnie" Aragon won the first race of his career June 21 at Arlington International Racecourse when he guided the Steve Manley-owned and trained No Bull Jess to victory in the fourth race .
The longest shot in the field at 20-1 odds, the 5-year-old Flashy Bull gelding won by a nose over fast-closing Flashy Green in the $5,000 claiming race for 3-year-olds and older at seven furlongs.
The 28-year-old Aragon only recently took out his jockey's license and had just seven mounts entering Saturday's card. He is no stranger to the racetrack having been an exercise rider for the past 11 years.
"It feels very good. I can't believe it," Aragon said. "I was talking to my horse, 'Come on, don't stop, don't stop' and he gave me a good push to win. Thanks so much to Steve Manley. He told me the horse was going to run good. I'm just so happy."