Juan Leyva, One of the Key Men Behind Argentine Star Full Serrano’s Engine
- Turf Diario
- Oct 30
- 3 min read
The former Mexican jockey, now assistant and exercise rider for John Sadler, stands alongside the Argentine star as Full Serrano aims to repeat last year’s triumph in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile
By Diego H. Mitagstein, special correspondent for Turf Diario in Del Mar, California
DEL MAR, California—As dawn breaks over Del Mar and the Pacific breeze turns golden under the rising sun, Full Serrano steps onto the main track with the poise and purpose of one who already knows what it feels like to shine on the biggest stage. By his side, stride for stride, is Juan Leyva, the man who knows him best. A former jockey with a long, accomplished career and now John Sadler’s top assistant and exercise rider, Leyva is an essential part of the team fueling Argentina’s dream of making history once again.
“The horse is training great—he’s ready for the race and in perfect shape,” says the Mexican horseman calmly, watching the dark bay who dazzled last year with his victory in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1). “I see him the same as he was then—fit, sharp, and focused. I think the shorter distance will help him. A mile seems ideal. He handles 2000 meters fine, but here he can show his best.”
Leyva knows every quirk and preference of Full Serrano.
“He likes this track better. Santa Anita is a bit heavier, while Del Mar is lighter and quicker, which suits him,” he explains with a smile. “He’s a calm horse, very relaxed, but always full of energy when he goes out to train. He does everything right—he’s a true professional.”
During the week, Full Serrano impressed observers with a strong 1200-meter work in 1:11 and change, a move that underscored his readiness and the team’s confidence.
“You can’t come into these races at half-speed,” Leyva says. “You’ve got to push them to be ready, because Saturday is no joke. Everyone shows up ready, everyone comes to win. Your horse needs to be at one hundred percent.”
At 40 years old, Juan Leyva is much more than Sadler’s right-hand man. His own journey—a story of perseverance and quiet passion—is one of the sport’s most compelling. Born in Mexico City, he rode professionally for 16 seasons, retiring in 2017 with 803 career victories. During his prime years at Gulfstream Park, he was the regular rider of champion Musical Romance (Concorde’s Tune), with whom he captured the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) and three additional graded stakes in Florida.
“I’ve known John since I was 17,” Leyva recalls. “When I decided to retire, I talked to him, and he gave me a job. I started as his assistant and exercise rider, and I’ve been with him ever since.”
The mutual trust between them goes far beyond morning gallops. Sadler, one of California’s most respected trainers, openly praises his protégé:
“I call him The Phenom. When I retire, he’ll take over. He’s a great professional and will be an excellent trainer,” Sadler says.
That blend of humility and ambition defines Leyva—grounded yet driven, grateful yet hungry to grow.
“For me, it’s a privilege to be here, to work a horse like Full Serrano, and to live another Breeders’ Cup from the inside,” he reflects. “There’s a lot of hard work behind it—long hours, early mornings—but when you see them run like that, every bit of it is worth it.”
On Saturday, when Full Serrano returns to Del Mar in search of back-to-back glory, Juan Leyva will once again be there—quietly, confidently, behind the scenes. Because in racing, for every hero in the spotlight, there are others in the shadows—the ones who rise before dawn, who feel every heartbeat of their horses, and who push them forward with faith, discipline, and the memory of what it takes to win.
Comments