Julio César Méndez and the end of an unforgettable career

At 55 years old, the Uruguayan jockey will ride for the last time this Sunday at Maroñas, bringing an end to a brilliant career on both shores of the Río de la Plata

By Diego H. Mitagstein

After four decades in the saddle, Uruguayan jockey Julio César Méndez will bring a formidable career to an end this Sunday, having shone brightly on both margins of the Río de la Plata. At 55 years old, the Melo-born professional, affectionately nicknamed El Príncipe, will say goodbye before his home crowd.

El Bomba (Trinniberg), in Sunday's eighth race at Hipódromo Nacional de Maroñas, will mark the final chapter of his professional career and the end of an era. Humble, a master of his craft like few others, his absence in the jockeys' room will leave a void. Something will be missing.

“The time has come. I was riding less, the weight was starting to take a bit of a toll, and I think it's the right moment to retire. We discussed it with my family, as I had been thinking about it, and we came to the conclusion that it was for the best. I'm going out riding and in front of my crowd—what more could I ask for? Life isn't only about being a jockey,” Julio told Turf Diario, overcome with emotion just minutes before heading out to jog to stay in shape for his final commitment.

The other great Uruguayan reinman of an era marked by the dominance of the matchless Pablo Falero, Méndez began showcasing his talent at Maroñas before making a name for himself in Argentina, where he moved in 1996. It proved to be a turning point.

Julio built prestige not only through his talent and coolness in tight finishes, but also through his warm personality and relentless morning work ethic, a defining trait throughout his entire career.

“It's a lifetime here at the racetrack. I gave everything to the sport and my profession, and racing gave everything to me. I visited unimaginable places, met incredible people... I have nothing but words of gratitude for everyone, without singling anyone out. Here in Uruguay, because they always cheered for me, and likewise in Argentina, where I spent unforgettable years.”

On this side of the Río de la Plata, Méndez compiled an impressive record. According to Stud Book Argentino data, he won 1,423 of the 10,675 races he contested, featuring 164 stakes victories, 122 group races, and no fewer than 37 G1 titles.

The unforgettable Latency (Slew Gin Fizz), Storm Mayor (Bernstein), Urquell (Roy), Hollín (Roy), Miss Match(Indygo Shiner), Miss Loren (Numerous), Don Misil (Mutakddim), Lord Card (Lord Hailey), and Oh Take(Latin American) were just a few of the top-class horses that partnered with him in top-level triumphs.

He captured the Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (G1) twice and the Gran Premio Jockey Club (G1) as many times. With Urquell, Mi Amiguito (Indygo Shiner), and Don Valiente (Orpen), he won the Polla de Potrillos (G1), while with Latency in 2006, he achieved one of his greatest thrills: winning the Gran Premio Latinoamericano (G1) at Maroñas, his home track.

In 2019 he returned to Montevideo to continue a career that now draws to a close. According to statistics compiled by colleague Germán Boiso, since the reopening of Maroñas in 2003, he secured 633 victories at the historic venue, 112 of them at the stakes level. His reputation as a big-race jockey finds overwhelming backing in the numbers.

“I achieved everything I ever dreamed of, back when many of those goals seemed so far out of reach at the start. I'm proud; I didn't do too badly (laughs)... I leave satisfied with myself, at peace. I was always a fighter, giving it my all and working my way up. It was tough to stand out at that time, and I can say I made it,” Julio summarized, his voice cracking with emotion that grows stronger with every message or phone call he receives.

Méndez admitted he had not intended to make much noise about his retirement, but his family shared the news on social media and the response exploded.

“All this recognition brings immense joy, a gentle comfort at a emotional moment.”

And what comes next? There are no certainties yet, though stepping away from horses completely seems unlikely.

“I still don't know how the story continues. I look at training, but it's tough, though it's a possibility. We'll see what comes up. I'm being sought out a lot for endurance racing (raid), which is something I've been doing; I enjoy it, and it keeps me connected with the horse, so I'll try to compete. But well, I'll see how I adapt best. I'll find something to do.”

The retirement of Julio César Méndez brings an unforgettable era to a close. An impeccable professional steps away—one who rubbed shoulders with the very best and who, as he acknowledges, achieved virtually everything he once dreamed of.

Although he had been riding infrequently in recent times, imagining the entry sheets without his name brings an inevitable sense of nostalgia. It stands as another sign of the end of a golden era—that of those unique jockeys, of whom only a few representatives remain in South America, also firing their final shots.

Julio, El Príncipe, the big-race jockey, departs as he should: riding, before his people, and through the front door.

Just as a career of this magnitude deserved.

And he will certainly be missed...