William Pereyra, a top-tier jockey who continues to make a difference

With over 1,700 wins, 169 stakes victories, and 30 G1s to his name, William Pereyra shone again at La Plata, this time aboard Bella Marieta

William Pereyra, always in the spotlight / HLP

LA PLATA.- William Pereyra began making his mark at Argentina’s major racecourses back in 2017, earning his jockey license in just a few weeks—a clear signal that national racing had a rising star.

Time has only confirmed that impression. Since then, Pereyra has steadily established himself, supported by Roberto Pellegatta, who brought him into his Palermo operation, giving him the crucial backing to excel.

With over 1,700 wins, 169 stakes victories, and 30 G1s to his name, Pereyra continues to demonstrate his immense talent whenever he has the chance. Most recently, he shone at La Plata, guiding the promising Bella Marieta to victory in the Clásico Manuel F. y Emilio Gnecco (G3, 1 mile)—one of the two top-tier contests of the day.

Speaking with Daniel Sinegub for the internal TV circuit, Pereyra reflected on the mare, bred at Haras Juan Antonioand racing for Stud El Olimpo:

“She took a bit longer than we expected, I think because she wasn’t familiar with the track, but she finished well, just as we hoped. She’s always been well-regarded at the stud, and for her first time at La Plata, she did very well.”

Asked about her temperament and training, he added:

“I ride her every morning. She’s very calm, very manageable, and works exactly as we want. I’m very grateful to the team at the stud and to Roberto Pellegatta and Juan Saldivia, who have always supported me.”

Pereyra also paid tribute to a mentor from his early days:

“Juan Noriega is one of those colleagues to look up to, a real example for everyone, and he supported me every step of the way when I joined Roberto’s team at Palermo.”

Named Apprentice Jockey of the Year in 2017, Pereyra has since scored G1 victories aboard Didia (Orpen), Belleza de Arteaga (Cosmic Trigger), Tetaze (Equal Stripes), Ever Daddy (Daddy Long Legs), Irwin (Seek Again), and Niño Guapo (Catcher In the Rye), and more recently with Amor de Contramano (Gouverneur Morris) and Roshita (Gouverneur Morris). Year after year, William Pereyra remains a standout figure in Argentine racing.