Amadeo Perez

Tags: Hastings Racecourse, JockeyLast Updated: July 23, 2026

Amadeo Perez: A Jockey’s Journey from Mexico to Canadian Stardom

Introduction

Amadeo Perez has moved his tack from Hastings Racecourse and now competes at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino.

Born in Mexico, Perez built his career through determination and consistency, earning multiple jockey titles and establishing himself as one of the country’s leading riders.

This article delves into his journey from his early days in Mexico to becoming one of Canada’s most respected jockeys, highlighting his achievements, challenges, and contributions to the sport.

Early Life and Beginnings in Mexico

Amadeo Perez was born in Mexico, where his affinity for horses and racing began at a young age, and he forged his history at Hipódromo de Las Américas. Growing up, Perez was surrounded by a rich horse racing culture deeply embedded in sports tradition. His family was involved in the sport, introducing him to jockeying at an early age.

Perez’s formal training began in his teens. He attended a jockey school in Mexico, where he honed his skills, learning the intricacies of horse handling, racing strategies, and maintaining peak physical fitness. His determination and natural talent quickly set him apart from his peers, paving the way for his future success.

Transition to Canada

Seeking more significant opportunities and challenges, Amadeo Perez made a pivotal decision to move to Canada. The transition was not without its difficulties. Adapting to a new culture, climate, and racing environment required significant adjustments. However, Perez’s unwavering commitment to his craft helped him overcome these hurdles.

Perez began his career in Canada at smaller tracks, gradually building his reputation. His breakthrough came when he started racing at Hastings Racecourse, one of Canada’s premier thoroughbred racing venues. Located in Vancouver, Hastings Racecourse offered Perez the platform to showcase his skills to a broader audience.

Early Career Achievements

First Wins

Amadeo Perez marked his entry into the competitive world of horse racing with significant early victories that set the stage for his illustrious career. A notable win came with Pawnee Girl at Hastings Racecourse in a Waiver Claiming race on June 23, 2019. This win was a clear indicator of his potential and skill as a jockey, demonstrating his ability to adapt and succeed in high-pressure environments quickly.

Top Races and Early Recognition

His participation in top-tier races further highlighted Perez’s early career, where he consistently demonstrated prowess. A standout moment was his win with the horse EXPLODE, which boasted a Timeform Rating of 102, showcasing Perez’s capability to handle and succeed with high-calibre horses.

His skill and dedication were recognised early on, culminating in his first Group Win at the G3 level with VICTRESS on October 8, 2018, a significant achievement that underscored his rising status within the racing community. This victory highlighted his tactical skill and ability to compete at a higher level, earning him widespread recognition and laying a strong foundation for future success in the sport.

Career Highlights

Amadeo Perez’s career at Hastings Racecourse has been nothing short of stellar. His riding style, characterised by precision, tactical awareness, and a deep connection with his horses, has earned him numerous accolades. Some of his career highlights include:

Multiple Stakes Wins: Perez has consistently performed well in stakes races, securing victories in some of the most prestigious events at Hastings. His ability to deliver under pressure has made him a favourite among trainers and owners.
Jockey Championships: His excellence on the track has earned him several jockey championships at Hastings Racecourse. These titles testify to his consistency and high performance throughout the racing seasons.
Community Engagement: Beyond his achievements on the track, Perez is known for his engagement with the racing community. He often participates in events organised by the Jockey’s Benefit Association of Canada (JBAC), contributing to the sport’s growth and welfare of fellow jockeys.

Peak Career Highlights

Amadeo Perez’s career peaked in 2023, with impressive earnings and consistent performance metrics. His total annual earnings amounted to $1,247,410, a testament to his skill and determination in the competitive horse racing field. This achievement is further underscored by his lifetime earnings, which have soared to an impressive $12,156,466, reflecting his long-standing success and resilience in the sport.

Perez’s performance statistics for 2023 demonstrate his competitive edge, with a win rate of 34%, showcasing his ability to lead and consistently finish races at the top. His career record further highlights his experience and skill, with 96 first-place finishes, 51 second-place finishes, and 46 third-place finishes out of 865 starts. These figures illustrate his reliability and prowess as a jockey, as well as his significant impact on the horse racing industry in Canada.

Moreover, Perez’s average earnings per start, which stand at $4,408, indicate his efficiency and effectiveness in turning each race into a financial success. This metric speaks to his skill as a jockey and the quality of horses and trainers he has worked with, who have played a crucial role in his continued career development.

Recent Achievements and Current Status

Amadeo Perez demonstrates his prowess as a top jockey at Hastings Racecourse, maintaining a strong presence in recent competitions. His recent performance includes six wins, two seconds, and six third-place finishes out of 23 starts, showcasing his consistent ability to compete at a high level. One of Perez’s notable victories occurred last weekend in the $50,000 Ross McLeod, where he skillfully guided Ole’s Miss to an unexpected win, further solidifying his reputation in the racing community.

Racing Style and Techniques

Amadeo Perez is renowned for his distinctive racing style. His ability to read a race and make split-second decisions is unparalleled. He is known for:

Strategic Positioning: Perez optimally positions his horse during a race, ensuring it is well-placed for a strong finish.
Pace Management: He has a keen sense of pace, knowing when to conserve energy and when to push his horse to the limit.
Communication with Horses: Perez intuitively understands his horses, enabling him to communicate effectively and elicit their best performance.

Challenges and Resilience

The life of a jockey is fraught with challenges, and Amadeo Perez’s career is no exception. Injuries, intense competition, and the constant need to maintain peak physical condition are part and parcel of the profession. Perez has faced these challenges head-on, demonstrating remarkable resilience.

Injuries are perhaps the most significant hurdle for any jockey. Perez has had his share of falls and injuries but has always bounced back stronger. His rigorous fitness regime and mental fortitude have been crucial in his recovery and continued success.

Contribution to Canadian Horse Racing

Amadeo Perez’s impact on Canadian horse racing extends beyond his achievements. He inspires aspiring jockeys, particularly those from Latin America, showcasing that dedication and hard work can lead to success in international arenas.

Perez’s involvement with the JBAC highlights his commitment to the sport’s broader community. He participates in initiatives aimed at improving jockeys’ welfare, promoting safety standards, and enhancing the overall racing experience in Canada.

Future Prospects

As Amadeo Perez continues to ride at Hastings Racecourse, his focus remains on achieving new milestones and contributing to the sport he loves. His goals include:

Winning Major Stakes Races: Perez aims to add more prestigious stakes wins to his resume, further cementing his legacy in Canadian horse racing.
Mentorship: He is keen to mentor young aspiring jockeys, sharing his knowledge and experience to help them navigate the sport’s challenges.
Community Involvement: Perez plans to increase his involvement in community and charitable activities, using his platform to make a positive impact on and off the track.

Conclusion

Through the lens of his distinguished career, it becomes evident that Amadeo Perez is not merely a participant in the Canadian horse racing landscape but a pivotal figure whose journey encapsulates dedication, skill, and unwavering ambition.

His progression from a hopeful debutant to a celebrated icon at Hastings Racecourse, underscored by commendable achievements and milestones, mirrors the sport’s ethos of perseverance. Each victory, each strategic move on the track, and the cumulative impact of his earnings and standings positions eloquently narrate the story of a career marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and an indomitable spirit that characterises the echelons of horse racing.

Perez’s narrative, rife with the highs of victory and the strategic calculations of a seasoned jockey, enriches the fabric of Canada’s horse-racing history and serves as an inspiring blueprint for aspiring jockeys and equestrian enthusiasts alike.

His ambitions for future glories, unabated by past achievements, echo the essence of continual growth and the quest for excellence that defines sporting greatness. For those intrigued by the stories of perseverance and triumph in the face of challenges or looking to support the commendable endeavours of jockeys, consider exploring the Canadian Jockey Profiles on Jockeys Canada for detailed biographies and career accomplishments of other notable riders and get involved with the Jockey’s Benefit Association of Canada to help continue the legacy of riders who give their all to the sport.

Perez’s legacy is not only written in his wins but also in the inspiration he offers to future generations, cementing his status as a stalwart of Canadian horse racing.

FAQs

Who holds the record for the most wins by a jockey in North American history?

Russell Baze retired in June 2016 after a 42-year career, setting a record with 12,842 career wins, the highest in North American racing history. Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Baze started his professional career.

Jockeys Agent | Unknown | +1-