“If I Win, I Retire”: Jorge Ricardo, a Living Legend of the Turf, Looks Ahead to the Gran Premio Latinoamericano at Home

The Winningest Jockey in History Speaks with Objetivo Latino on Global Media Turf — Emotion, Memories, and a Promise That Could Mark the End of an Unrepeatable Career

Jorge Ricardo and the Cristo in the Background: An Unforgettable Portrait / JCB

By Diego H. Mitagstein

RÍO DE JANEIRO, Brasil (Special Correspondent).- At 64, Jorge Ricardo remains synonymous with passion, talent, and a deep love for racing. This Saturday, as the gates open for the Gran Premio Latinoamericano (G1) at Hipódromo da Gávea, South American racing will once again pay homage to his enduring legend. In a pre-race interview with Objetivo Latino for Global Media Turf, Ricardo shared a statement that captivated the racing world:

"I’ll try to do my best, to win… and I don’t know if I wouldn’t retire if I win. I’m thinking about it. If I win, I retire."

The winningest jockey in history, with over 13,350 victories, will ride King Mo (Vancouver) for Stud El Herraje, one of the leading contenders. “I was very happy when I got the mount because I didn’t expect it. Getting a horse with a chance in the Latino is tough; these races are very even. They’re all good horses with confirmed jockeys—it’s not easy,” he explained.

Ricardo also reflected on his past Latino successes: “I’ve won six Latinos, although with Don Inc (Include) it couldn’t be confirmed. Of those six, only two were my rides: Falcon Jet (Ghadeer), the first, and Much Better (Baynoun), the only horse to win the Latino twice. With Jimwaki (Gem Master) I got lucky, with Good Report (Ride the Rails) it came through my contacts at Abolengo, and Don Inc was ridden by Altair Domingos. I was fortunate to be offered the rides.”

On his current partner, King Mo, Ricardo had nothing but praise: “He has an excellent record at Monterrico, 11 wins in 14 starts—something only top horses achieve. He’s fully recovered, and who knows? He might give me another Latino. If we don’t dream, we’re nothing.”

Analyzing the race, Ricardo added: “I know Gávea like the back of my hand, but it’s not easy to win. The track is demanding, with tight turns and a long stretch. Locals are favorites, but strong rivals arrive like Vundu (Suggestive Boy) and Need You Tonight (Hat Ninja). If it rains, it gets even tougher. Ethereum (Courtier) and Obataye (Courtier) are contenders, though they usually perform less on soft ground.”

Speaking about his career, his emotion is clear: “I’ve built my career with love and dedication. At 64, I still race because I enjoy it, I love it, I thrive in this environment. I always said the saddest day of my life would be the day I have to stop riding… and I know it’s not far off, because everything has a beginning and an end. But I’m happy with what I’ve achieved and all that racing has given me.”

Looking ahead, the legend has a clear plan: “If I win, I plan to retire. I want a farewell in Argentina, my second home, and maybe also in the tracks where I raced: Peru, Chile, Uruguay. That would be the ultimate dream. And here, of course…”

Recalling his greatest partners, his voice softens: “Falcon Jet was one of the best I ever rode, perhaps only behind Much Better. With him, we went to São Paulo knowing we would win. Much Better was phenomenal, trained by João Maciel, who knew everything. He told me it was a sure thing, and he was right. It was a perfect symbiosis.”

Time moves on, but the myth remains intact. This Saturday, when Jorge Ricardo returns to the starting gate of the Gran Premio Latinoamericano, he will do so with the same excitement as his first day, knowing that, win or lose, he has long since secured his place in the eternal history of turf racing.