Sonny Leon

Sonny Leon is a Venezuelan jockey (born 1989 or 1990 in Aragua, Venezuela).[1][2] He rode Rich Strike to victory in the 2022 Kentucky Derby[3] and the second largest payout to win in history of the Derby. Rich Strike's victory was the second for a Venezuelan jockey at the Derby, 51 years after Gustavo Ávila rode Canonero II in 1971.[4] The day before his victory in the Kentucky Derby, Leon jockeyed six races at Belterra Park.[5]

For the model and actress, see Sunny Leone.

Leon has 770 career wins in the United States.[6] Últimas Noticias described Leon as one of the winningest Venezuelan jockeys in the United States.[7]

He lives in Florence, Kentucky.[8]

Following his Kentucky Derby win, Leon served a four-day suspension for careless riding that dated back to an April 27 incident in a $28,000 allowance race. It was his 3rd suspension for careless riding in the last 9 months.[9]

References
  1. Russo, Nicole (May 6, 2022). "Kentucky Derby: International cast of jockeys and trainers seek roses for first time". Daily Racing Form. Retrieved May 7, 2022.
  2. "Sonny León in the Derby upon Ethereal Road being retired". Líder en deportes. May 7, 2022. Retrieved May 7, 2022.
  3. HARRIS, BETH (May 9, 2022). "80-1 shot Rich Strike races to huge upset in Kentucky Derby". Times Union.
  4. ""Esto es por Venezuela": Sonny León, segundo venezolano en ganar el Kentucky Derby". La Patilla (in Spanish). May 7, 2022. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
  5. Sloan, Kaycee (May 8, 2022). "Jockey Sonny Leon, winner of the Kentucky Derby raced at Belterra Park day before Derby". WLWT. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
  6. Jockey Profile
  7. "Sonny Leon close to third title at Mahoning Valley - Últimas Noticias".
  8. "Jockey of long-shot Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike honed skills at tracks in Youngstown, around Ohio". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  9. Sullivan, Tim (May 11, 2022). "Jockey Sonny Leon serves suspension after Kentucky Derby win. It's not the first time". USA Today.
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