Kevin Banegas Adds Another Graded Smile to an Already Unforgettable Year

The jockey recorded the 28th stakes victory of his outstanding year aboard Primera Plana in the GII Clásico Los Criadores

José C. Blanco and Kevin Banegas pose with the trophies after Primera Fila’s major victory / HLP

Not long ago, the clouds had gathered over Kevin Banegas. A poorly healed leg injury forced him into surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation, temporarily pushing him out of the spotlight. He faced the setback with maturity and resolve, setting himself a clear goal: to come back stronger. The evidence suggests he has done exactly that.

As he moves steadily toward what would be his first national riding title, the young jockey continues to underline a remarkable season, piling up victories and adding a growing list of stakes successes. In 2025 alone, Banegas has already recorded 28 wins at the stakes level, the latest arriving Thursday when he partnered Primera Fila for the first time and guided her to victory in the Clásico Los Criadores (G2), the most important race of the year for staying mares at La Plata.

Following the trophy presentation, and with the tension eased, Banegas took a moment to speak with Daniel Sinegub for the closed-circuit broadcast, offering candid and insightful reflections.

“I’m honestly very happy to win such an important race wearing these colors—the Stud-Haras Vacación silks—and with José (Blanco, trainer), who calls on me for opportunities like this when Martín Valle can’t ride due to other commitments,” Banegas said. “We knew the race would be run at a solid tempo, and she was always comfortable. From the 1000 meters, I let her gradually improve on the outside, brought her into it on the turn, and after that she made everything easy.”

Although he had never ridden the Equal Stripes mare before, Banegas felt confident going in. “She had already won over this track, she likes it here. Her last run was a fourth at Palermo, but back at La Plata she was able to show her best.”

Toward the end of the conversation, reflecting on his outstanding form, Banegas summed it up simply: “I always dreamed of living moments like this. After the surgery, that was the goal I set for myself—to win races and fight for the title. And here we are, enjoying everything that’s happening.”

Kevin Banegas keeps adding victories, stakes trophies, and smiles to a season that already fits comfortably into the category of unforgettable. With only days remaining in the year and the statistical crown firmly within reach, the job is not officially done until the wire is crossed—but the champagne may already be on ice.