Sofia Vives
Sofia Vives: Canada’s Rising Star in the Saddle
At just 21, Sofia Vives has already ridden her way into the spotlight of Canadian horse racing. With 169 wins from 1,022 mounts and nearly $5 million in purse earnings since debuting in late 2022, she’s not just keeping up with the boys — she’s beating many of them.
Her sharp instincts, fearless riding style, and calm demeanor have made her one of the most sought-after jockeys at Woodbine Racetrack, where she rides four days a week, and Fort Erie, where she picks up additional mounts.
In a sport where only 12% of riders in North America are women, Vives stands out not just because of her gender but because of her skill, work ethic, and unshakable confidence. From her roots in Ocala, Florida, to winning the 2024 Woodbine Oaks, her rise has been fast, focused, and purposeful.
This is the story of a young rider blazing a trail — one race at a time.
Early Life and Apprenticeship: Built for the Saddle
Born and raised in Ocala, Florida, Sofia Vives was surrounded by horses. Her father, Lazaro Vives, a former jockey and assistant trainer, passed down his knowledge and passion.
“He made it look so easy,” she recalls. “But it’s not easy at all. Watching him up close taught me just how much skill and patience this sport demands.”
Long before her first professional ride, Vives was up before sunrise, galloping horses and learning every detail of the game. She trained at top thoroughbred facilities, spending hours mastering balance, timing, and communication with young racehorses.
Her transition from exercise rider to licensed jockey wasn’t handed to her. She had to pass rigorous physical and practical tests to prove she could hold her own in a race — and she did.
In October 2022, she made her debut at Woodbine Racetrack, and within weeks, she rode Bodacious Miss to her first career win. From there, the buzz began.
Vives’ technical style, sharp instincts, and light hands quickly caught the attention of one of Canada’s most significant racing operations: Mark Casse’s stable. Under his mentorship, she learned to ride high-caliber thoroughbreds and carry herself like a pro.
Career Milestones: Breakthrough Wins That Turned Heads
First Big Victory: Woodbine Oaks, July 2024
On July 20, 2024, Vives made headlines with her breakout win in the Woodbine Oaks aboard Kin’s Concerto. In a stacked 14-horse field, she delivered a masterclass in patience and timing.
“She’s always been special to me,” Vives said after the race. “I knew if we got the right trip, she’d finish big — and she did.”
Breaking from the gate in third, Vives held her composure through the early stages, tucked just behind the leaders. As they rounded the far turn, she found daylight on the rail, pushed through a narrow opening, and surged to victory. The win earned the Chiefswood Stables homebred over CAD 418,000 and gave Vives her first significant stakes title.
Thorncliffe Stakes Victory: A Record-Breaking Start to 2025
On May 4, 2025, Patches O’Houlihan, under jockey Sofia Vives, returned triumphantly to the track by winning the Thorncliffe Stakes at Woodbine. This race marked his first start of the season, and he did so in spectacular fashion by setting a new track record for 5½ furlongs with a time of 1:02.28, surpassing the previous record of 1:02.62 set by Arzak in 2022.
Vives recently secured her second consecutive Sovereign Award as Canada’s top apprentice jockey. She showcased her exceptional skills by guiding Patches O’Houlihan to a commanding four-length victory over a competitive field, including multiple graded stakes winners.
This performance reaffirmed Patches O’Houlihan’s status as Canada’s reigning Horse of the Year and highlighted the formidable partnership between the gelding and Vives. Their synergy on the track continues to captivate racing enthusiasts and set new standards in Canadian thoroughbred racing.
Stats That Matter: Vives by the Numbers
- 122 wins from 764 starts in 2023
- Nearly CAD 5 million in total purse earnings
- 4th in the 2023 Woodbine jockey standings
- Sovereign Award winner for Top Apprentice Jockey
- Finalist for the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Apprentice
As of late 2024, she added another 85 wins, maintained a 16% strike rate, and expanded her reach to New York and Pennsylvania tracks.
“I don’t set numbers,” she said. “If you fall short, it doesn’t mean you failed. I just try to do right by the horse and keep learning every race.”
What Sets Her Apart: Technique and Mental Game
Vives’ standout skill? Her gate-breaking ability.
“The race is often won or lost at the gate,” she explained. “My dad taught me how to break horses fast, and I’ve always held onto that.”
She also has a rare ability to stay cool under pressure, never letting nerves get the better of her. Trainers have noticed that horses run better under her, not because they’re better horses, but because she brings out their best.
“Some riders just get horses to run better,” trainer Mark Casse said. “And Sofia is one of those riders.”
Overcoming Setbacks: A Fall and a Comeback
In June 2024, Vives was thrown in the final race at Woodbine and taken to the hospital. Thankfully, she had no significant injuries, but the mental side of recovery was tough.
“You get five seconds of fame or five seconds of failure,” she said. “Either way, when those five seconds are done — move on.”
And move on she did. Within weeks, she was back in the winner’s circle.
Mentorship and Giving Back
Even as a young rider, Vives takes time to mentor new jockeys, especially other women trying to break into the sport. She stresses:
- Patience: “You’ll never know it all in this sport.”
- Resilience: “Cry for five minutes. Celebrate for five minutes. Then move on.”
- Character: “Be someone others want to grow into.”
More Than Wins: Advocacy and Integrity
In a heavily male-dominated sport, Vives leads by example, not protest. She’s proving every day that women belong on the big stage.
“I wanted to show the boys I could be just as tough. And here we are.”
She also speaks out about the importance of animal welfare and fair treatment of horses:
“Do right by the animals. Thank God for your blessings and carry on.”
The Road Ahead
Sofia Vives isn’t just a talented rider — she’s a force shaping the future of racing. She’s done it all from classic wins to record-breaking sprints in just a few short seasons.
With 169 wins, nearly $5 million in purses, and major accolades behind her, the future holds even bigger goals — including Triple Crown races and international mounts.
And if her journey is any sign, she’ll meet those goals head-on, just like she’s handled every challenge.
Explore More:
- Canadian Jockey Profiles – For more rider bios and updates
- Jockeys’ Benefit Association of Canada – Support injured riders and industry welfare
This article was enhanced using AI tools for drafting purposes, but reviewed and edited by our team of experts at the JBAC.
Jockeys Agent | Jordan Miller | +1-647-390-1257
Photos compliments of Mr. Will Wong and Canadian Thoroughbred
Interesting Articles
- May 1, 2025 – Patches O’Houlihan, Canada’s Horse of the Year, Sets Track Record – Chris Lomon, Woodbine
- October 1, 2025 – Ocala-based Jockey is Making Her Mark in Canada – Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association – By Gene Kershner
- July 21, 2024 – Sofia: The First – Apprentice jockey Vives now has a victory in a Canadian Classic Race – Toronto Sun
- July 20, 2024 – Kin’s Concerto wins Woodbine Oaks, first big Canadian victory for jockey Vives – Story by Richard Mauntah – MSN.com
- July 20, 2024 – Jockey Sofia Vives guides Kin’s Concerto to victory in the 69th running of the $500,000 Woodbine Oaks – Canadian Press
- July 20, 2024 – Kin’s Concerto wins Woodbine Oaks, first big Canadian victory for jockey Vives – Toronto Sun
- June 20, 2024 – Podcast – First Time Out – Sofia Vives – June 20, 2024 – Beyond the Break
- June 10, 2024 – The World-Class Women of Woodbine – TrueNicks
- May 29, 2024 – Opening Day – Fort Erie Race Track Press Release – Fore Erie Chamber of Commerce
- April 30, 2024 – Ocala rider wins prestigious apprentice award from Jockey Club of Canada – By Johanna Huebscher – Ocala Gazette
- April 1, 2024 – Vives heading into ’24 campaign at Woodbine after strong 2023 season – Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press
- March 11, 2024 – Monday Morning Quarter Pole @ WoodbineTB: Jockey Sofia Vives – Chris Lomon, Woodbine Communications / @WoodbineComms
- January 6, 2024 – 2023 Eclipse Awards: Sofia Vives – Marty McGee – DRF
- May 16, 2023 – Sofia Vives Riding Winners Every Day Of The Week In Two Countries – Dick Jerardi – Let’s Go Racing Parx
- May 2, 2023 – 5 Furlongs with Sofia Vives – By: Woodbine Communications
- March 15, 2023 – Sofia Vives: “Racing, it Runs Through My Mind All Day” – By Chris Lomon, Woodbine Communications
- November 17, 2022 – Sofia Vives: Girl With the Racing Bug – By: Hayley Morrison
- November 7, 2022 – Apprentice jockey Vives looks to build on strong start – Ron Gierkink – DRF
