The jockey spent time in Kentucky ahead of his move in march for a three-month stint as the rider for Haras Phillipson and Brownwood Farm
By Diego H. Mitagstein
Héctor Lazo has cemented his legacy by winning seven consecutive riding titles at the Hipódromo Nacional de Maroñas in Uruguay and is widely regarded as one of the top five jockeys in Latin America. Following in the footsteps of legends like Irineo Leguisamo, Vilmar Sanguinetti, and Pablo Falero, the 37-year-old jockey is preparing for the most significant challenge of his career: attempting to succeed in the United States. In just a few weeks, he will embark on a three-month journey as the retained rider for the Haras Phillipson, represented in North America by the Brownwood Farm.
Currently riding for the colors of Benjamín and Felipe Steinbruch in Uruguay, Lazo recently returned from a 10-day trip to Miami and Lexington, which served as an orientation for his upcoming campaign. In an interview with Objetivo Breeders' Cup (watch here), Lazo shared his reflections on this new chapter and his hopes for the future.
"I'm thoroughly enjoying this experience—it’s an opportunity to learn, gain new insights, and enjoy different aspects of racing," Lazo remarked. "Initially, it will be a short stint, but the excitement is immense. It's a wonderful opportunity that has come my way, and we’ll see how the rest of the year unfolds."
Reflecting on his plans, he added: "Step by step, things have fallen into place. At the end of March, my wife and I will move to Lexington, Kentucky. I was there recently, and I fell in love with the place. For those of us who live for horses and have that passion, finding ourselves in such surroundings is awe-inspiring. Driving through the area, seeing horses, mares, foals, and barns—it’s incredible."
When asked to assess his career journey from its humble beginnings to his current success, Lazo said: "You always prepare yourself to win races and achieve bigger goals, setting new milestones. Looking back on my 15-year career, I’ve accomplished a lot: seven titles at Maroñas, three at Las Piedras, and victories in nearly all the classic races. It's fulfilling. But now, I need to focus on the future and push myself harder because I'll be competing against world-class professionals, and I’ll need to be at my best to measure up."
Also heading to the U.S. is Suablenanav TH (T.H. Approval), the colt that earned Lazo his Triple Crown title in 2024. The horse is owned by Phillipson, and Lazo shared his thoughts on this venture: "In terms of goals, I’ve done very well in Uruguay, and I know I’ll still have support when I return. Racing in the U.S. seemed like a distant dream, but now, thanks to Phillipson, I have this chance. I might return to ride in major meetings here or in France or New York, where they also have horses. Suablenanav TH is heading north with dreams of the Breeders' Cup. What more could you ask for?"
Regarding his time in Lexington, Lazo added: "I met with Paulo Lobo and Ignacio Correas Jr., both of whom train for Phillipson, and I toured the racetracks and farms. I had in-depth conversations with Nacho, who explained how jockeys operate there, the races, agents, and the overall system. Paulo will need me for a lot of morning work, and I’m thrilled to be part of a team with such accomplished professionals. I’m incredibly grateful to them both for their warm welcome."
Lazo is set to join the ranks of many successful Latin American jockeys in the U.S. When asked why he believes Latinos thrive in such a competitive environment, he explained: "We earn our place through hard work and sacrifice. When we arrive in a market as significant as this, with the best in the world, our hunger to succeed drives us to give everything—both in the mornings and during races. We know what it means to make sacrifices, and we do everything possible to achieve our goals."
As for adapting to shorter tracks in the U.S., Lazo noted: "I’ve been studying races for some time to understand the strategies and racing style. I adapt quickly, and in Uruguay, we have Las Piedras, a challenging course with unique characteristics. In the U.S., the tracks are tight, with short straights and sharp turns, but the horses are well-trained, have speed, and know how to handle those turns. Their adaptation will help me immensely."
Soon, Héctor Lazo will set off for his new adventure, fueled by his unwavering determination and the goal of triumphing on another stage. Once again, he’ll chase victory with passion as his guide.
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