Edwin Talaverano, the Retirement of a South American Riding Icon Who Shined in Argentina

At 56, the Peruvian jockey will retire from riding on December 21, after the Gran Premio Nacional Augusto B. Leguía (G1); he is expected to take a position at the Apprentice School in Peru

Edwin Talaverano defined an era as a jockey / JCP

By Néstor Obregón Rossi / Diario El Crack Perú

LIMA, Peru (Special to Turf Diario)—The announcement of Edwin Talaverano’s retirement landed with such surprise that even some within his closest circle found out almost at the same time as the hundreds of racing fans who read the news on social media. It was journalist Juan José Esquerre, who has been working on a book about the life of the great Peruvian jockey, who broke the story—and even confirmed the date: Sunday, December 21, during the Gran Premio Nacional Augusto B. Leguía (G1), the final Group 1 of the year.

Edwin has chosen not to go deeper into the details. Understandably so. It cannot be easy to say he is bringing an end to a chapter that defined his life, but also that of so many of us who watched him grow into one of the greatest Peruvian jockeys of all time.

He was once the sharp, wide-eyed kid who accompanied his father Felipe—a stablehand at the time—to the track, slowly becoming familiar with those towering Thoroughbreds that he stroked and doted on as if they were life-size toys.

He was the teenager who swapped a soccer ball for a riding crop and discovered in racing that road to glory and fame, eventually becoming the rider capable of winning impossible races without ever losing style or poise.

He became the “Wonder Boy” who crossed borders and won over the passionate Argentine racing public, who embraced him as their own, recognizing his talent, discipline, and professionalism.

And now, at 56—his birthday celebrated just last week—the master still giving lessons in the saddle, if not for the constant enemy that is weight, might have extended his career a little longer.

But Edwin Talaverano didn’t need to push himself to extremes to say “this is as far as I go.” Even knowing he can still put on a show, he decided to close a major chapter in racing history: not a forced retirement, but an early finale from someone who, days ago, was still winning races and who still has several mounts ahead with which to display his schooling before crowds that cheer him every time he steps onto the track.

Talaverano will transcend far beyond his impressive résumé: his more than 5,000 wins, his Olimpia de Plata in Argentina, his victories in the Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini and the Gran Premio Latinoamericano, his four international triumphs in a single afternoon during Pellegrini day, his wins aboard Laredo (Muscovite), Fregy’s(Combsway), Madame Equis (Book the Band) or Liberal (Meal Penalty). Edwin Talaverano will always be remembered as the man who turned the profession of jockey into an art—into a discipline worthy of admiration—and who inspired others to imitate him and follow his path.

For all that and more: happy retirement, maestro. And thank you—truly, thank you.

And Now… Professor?

Those close to Talaverano have indicated that the jockey will begin working as an instructor at the Peruvian Jockey School—the same place where he trained—to help guide new generations of riders.

It is even understood that Talaverano has already visited the school this week to outline his needs and begin his duties as soon as possible. More of a maestro than ever.