Héctor Berríos, a South American Turf Ambassador Shining in the United States

The Chilean jockey celebrated victory in the Pennsylvania Derby (G1), marking his first Group 1 win outside of California alongside Baeza

Baeza and Berríos Triumph in the Pennsylvania Derby / GOOGLE

By Diego H. Mitagstein

Chilean jockey Héctor Isaac Berríos is enjoying one of the brightest moments of his career in the United States. Last Saturday, aboard the colt Baeza (McKinzie), he captured the Pennsylvania Derby (G1)—not only one of the most important wins of his career but also his first Grade 1 triumph outside California, the circuit where he established himself as one of the leading riders.

“I’m very happy, I don’t want to wake up… it was even better sharing it with my family. It was an unforgettable moment and great for my career here in the U.S. It helps you get noticed, and thank God we were able to respond well. The horse made it look easy, finished without any issues, and we hope he continues his training properly,” Berríos told Objetivo Breeders’ Cup on the streaming channel Global Media Turf.

The path to this achievement wasn’t easy. “We had a setback when I couldn’t ride him in the Derby and at Belmont, but as I always say, God’s timing is perfect. At that time, it wasn’t my moment, and now it was. We were able to take advantage, and I’m happy because this win can open many doors for me to be recognized on the East Coast. California has been key; I’ve done very well there, and I hope to finish the year as we did with Baeza,” he added.

The Partnership with Baeza

Discussing the colt, one of the top 3-year-olds in the U.S. this season, Berríos highlighted his development: “At first, he was very fiery, and I rode him with a lot of respect. He was nervous, but in the mornings he started to mature. After finishing second at Saratoga, he returned to form and impressed me because he started doing what I asked. In the Pennsylvania Derby, I let him settle, positioned him behind the pack, and when I asked in the final 600 meters, he responded fully. I knew the race was ours.”

Berríos also explained his race strategy: “I didn’t want to rush him at the break; I kept him comfortable so he wouldn’t get dirt in his face. Then I followed Luis Sáez, the second favorite, and when his horse started to fade, I swung Baeza outside, and he ran beautifully. I think even Irad Ortiz Jr. was surprised when he saw me pass him, because I hadn’t felt like I had much earlier.”

Looking ahead to the Breeders’ Cup, where Baeza will be among the key contenders, Berríos is optimistic: “The faster track at Del Mar should suit him if there’s early speed. I’ll always try to keep him comfortable and avoid him getting too much dirt in his face. He’s a spirited horse, from leaving the barn to the pony, but in the gate he behaves more and more professionally, which is key.”

Through 2025, Berríos has 88 wins from 422 mounts, earning $6,120,860. If the trend continues, this will be his best season in the U.S. since settling there in 2018.

His victory in the Pennsylvania Derby not only cements Héctor Berríos as a top-level jockey in the demanding U.S. racing scene but also reinforces his role as a South American turf ambassador, capable of competing with the best while proudly representing the region.Chilean jockey Héctor Isaac Berríos is enjoying one of the brightest moments of his career in the United States. Last Saturday, aboard the colt Baeza (McKinzie), he captured the Pennsylvania Derby (G1)—not only one of the most important wins of his career but also his first Grade 1 triumph outside California, the circuit where he established himself as one of the leading riders.

“I’m very happy, I don’t want to wake up… it was even better sharing it with my family. It was an unforgettable moment and great for my career here in the U.S. It helps you get noticed, and thank God we were able to respond well. The horse made it look easy, finished without any issues, and we hope he continues his training properly,” Berríos told Objetivo Breeders’ Cup on the streaming channel Global Media Turf.

The path to this achievement wasn’t easy. “We had a setback when I couldn’t ride him in the Derby and at Belmont, but as I always say, God’s timing is perfect. At that time, it wasn’t my moment, and now it was. We were able to take advantage, and I’m happy because this win can open many doors for me to be recognized on the East Coast. California has been key; I’ve done very well there, and I hope to finish the year as we did with Baeza,” he added.

The Partnership with Baeza

Discussing the colt, one of the top 3-year-olds in the U.S. this season, Berríos highlighted his development: “At first, he was very fiery, and I rode him with a lot of respect. He was nervous, but in the mornings he started to mature. After finishing second at Saratoga, he returned to form and impressed me because he started doing what I asked. In the Pennsylvania Derby, I let him settle, positioned him behind the pack, and when I asked in the final 600 meters, he responded fully. I knew the race was ours.”

Berríos also explained his race strategy: “I didn’t want to rush him at the break; I kept him comfortable so he wouldn’t get dirt in his face. Then I followed Luis Sáez, the second favorite, and when his horse started to fade, I swung Baeza outside, and he ran beautifully. I think even Irad Ortiz Jr. was surprised when he saw me pass him, because I hadn’t felt like I had much earlier.”

Looking ahead to the Breeders’ Cup, where Baeza will be among the key contenders, Berríos is optimistic: “The faster track at Del Mar should suit him if there’s early speed. I’ll always try to keep him comfortable and avoid him getting too much dirt in his face. He’s a spirited horse, from leaving the barn to the pony, but in the gate he behaves more and more professionally, which is key.”

Through 2025, Berríos has 88 wins from 422 mounts, earning $6,120,860. If the trend continues, this will be his best season in the U.S. since settling there in 2018.

His victory in the Pennsylvania Derby not only cements Héctor Berríos as a top-level jockey in the demanding U.S. racing scene but also reinforces his role as a South American turf ambassador, capable of competing with the best while proudly representing the region.