Apprentice Jockey Victor Rosales Gets First Victory

Apprentice jockey Victor Rosales rode the first winner of his career Feb. 17, when he piloted Morgan's Ford Farm, Linda Walls, and Kingdom Bloodstock's Pink Pearl to a 4 1/4-length upset in the first race at Laurel Park.

Rosales, 29, dedicated his victory to Emerson Schoenthal, the 4-year-old son of winning trainer Phil Schoenthal who is home and doing well following heart transplant surgery Jan. 18.

"This race is for Emerson," he said. "They are caring for him."

A Virginia-bred daughter of Animal Kingdom , Pink Pearl ran seven furlongs over a fast main track in 1:25.77 in the maiden claiming event for 3-year-old fillies.

"It's amazing. It's what I've been working for, to get something like that," Rosales said. "I want to thank everyone at the barn and all the team who helped, and the owners."

After a break from post 5 in the field of seven, Pink Pearl saved ground along the inside and pressed Simmard Shenanigan through a quarter-mile in :23.48. She then wrested the lead away after a half in :47.23 and extended her advantage in the stretch to win in her third start for Schoenthal.

Though he was aboard Pink Pearl in a race for the first time, Rosales became familiar with her in his regular role working for Schoenthal during morning training at Laurel.

"I feel comfortable on the filly," Rosales said. "I know the filly, and I've been working with her, and I thought we had a big shot today."

A native of Mexico who rides with a 10-pound weight allowance, Rosales won with his ninth mount and fifth of 2019. He rode his first race July 21 at Parx Racing.

"I've been galloping for 14 years. I started galloping in Florida at the Ocala horse complex, and then I came back here to Maryland," Rosales said. "I always wanted to be a jockey. I was just taking my time."