Harry Vega
Harry Vega (born September 21, 1965 in New Brunswick, New Jersey) is an American jockey in Thoroughbred horse racing.
| Harry Vega | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Jockey |
| Born | September 21, 1965 New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States |
| Career wins | 4,000+ (ongoing) |
| Major racing wins | |
| Empire Classic Handicap (2001) Pennsylvania Governor's Cup Stakes (2001) Barbara Fritchie Handicap (2002) Endine Stakes (2002) Genuine Risk Handicap (2002) Interborough Handicap (2002) Phoenix Breeders' Cup Stakes (2002) Red Bank Stakes (2002) Vagrancy Handicap (2002) Overskate Stakes (2004) Maryland Million Distaff Handicap (2005) Pennsylvania Oaks (2005) Violet Stakes (2005) Gallant Bob Handicap (2007) Conniver Stakes (2009) Henry S. Clark Stakes (2009) Marshua Stakes (2010) | |
| Significant horses | |
| Xtra Heat | |
Vega began his riding career in Michigan in 1983 then in the late 1980s moved to compete at tracks on the Northeast coast of the United States. A winner of more than 3,500 races in his career to date, in 2006 his 22.7 winning percentage was ninth best among all jockeys in the United States.
Harry Vega is best known as the jockey of Xtra Heat. Aboard the filly, he in 2002 he won the Barbara Fritchie Handicap, the Genuine Risk Handicap and Vagrancy Handicap[1] and the Endine Stakes at Delaware Park Racetrack.[2]
After Vega married fellow jockey Amy Duross they were banned by Suffolk Downs officials from riding in the same race until the Massachusetts State Racing Commission ruled they could.[3] Vega now has 2 children with Duross, 15 year old Devin Vega and 13 Year old Tyler Vega.
References
Year-end charts
| Chart (2000–present) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2000 | 75 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2001 | 40 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2002 | 71 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2004 | 99 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2005 | 65 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2006 | 91 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2007 | 49 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2008 | 100 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2009 | 78 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2010 | 87 |