TVG Jockey Interview: Edwin Maldonado

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• published: 25 May 2013
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Learn more about horse racing jockey Edwin Maldonado in an exclusive interview. For information about the TVG Network, visit https://www.tvg.com To become a TVG member, visit: https://www.tvg.com/registration/step1 TVG is a US-based, licensed provider of online horse race wagering. With TVG, enjoy live ultimate track video, race replays and 4 ways to wager. Members have access to free handicapping information, free Wager Rewards Bonus and an exclusive customer loyalty program. Video Transcription: EM: I came here by "accident" because I was supposed to go back to Louisiana and just ride for the placement. That's how I came here, that's how I got started. Announcer: Warren Samantha coming home to win it easy under Edwin Maldonado. Well he already earned the riding title at this meet here in Fairplex but he's going to keep adding onto his win title. After a surprising victory in the rider standings at Fairplex Park in 2012, Edwin Maldonado chose to extend his stay in southern California, indefinitely. With the Betfair Hollywood Park autumn meeting just around the corner, Edwin hoped to ride the momentum of his first-ever riding title as far as it would take him. Don's charm going to give Edwin Maldonado his 3rd and she's going to win by double-digits. Edwin Maldonado had it geared down towards the end. He's starting to separate himself in the jockey standings. Maldonado went on to edge out Rafael Bejarano by a single win at Betfair Hollywood Park, resulting in yet another landmark victory for the up-and-coming jockey. EM: I never thought I would be the leading ride there, but by half of the meet my agent told me we got a chance to get the title, so we worked a little harder to get it and we got it. Announcer: Maldonado's journey to racing prominence has taken him all over the world. Born in Columbus, Ohio, he moved to Puerto Rico at the age of 5 where he was raised in a die-hard racing family. Edwin's father, grandfather and uncle were all jockeys. EM: I started my career in Winnipeg, Canada in 2001 and from there I went down to Texas. I rode in Texas for a couple years. Announcer: After gaining experience on those circuits, Maldonado moved to California eager to prove himself on the biggest stage. EM: When I first started, Jack Danberg gave me a shot, Jeff Bundy and Polanco. Usually when you're new to a place, you want to start with the small barns and work your way up to the big barns, but they all gave me a shot. They're nice people. Announcer: At 5'7", Maldonado is among the tallest jockeys in the colony. While he struggled with weight issues early in his career, he's overcome that and more along the way. EM: Growing up they always told me, "you can't be a jockey, you're too tall and you're going to be big", but I never let it bother me. I always wanted to be a jockey. Announcer: That same spirit and determination that served him well as a young boy in Puerto Rico still does today. EM: Sometimes, you have to work horses that you're not going to ride, but working hard in the mornings has been very successful. Announcer: Enjoying success here in the prestigious California circuit means the world to Maldonado. For now, he hopes that this magical run he's been on is just beginning. EM: I always watched the Hollywood Park in Santa Anita, always since I was a kid. Growing up, I always followed my uncle, he was a rider too. Ever since I was a little boy, I watched the races. I always dreamed to be a jockey and here I am.