By: Aubrie Green
Twenty-two-year-old journeyman rider Vicente Del Cid has captivated race-trackers and horseracing fans alike with his incredible success the last two years, riding the Delta Downs and Evangeline downs circuit. The debut of this now dominating star came on October 21, 2021, at Delta Downs aboard his first mount, Cajun Cash.
Despite all his success the last two years, including multiple Stakes winning mounts, Cajun Cash remains Del Cid’s favorite horse because, not only was the horse owned by his father, Ovidio Del Cid, but Cajun Cash played a huge role in the rider’s development prior to his first start. The horse was given to Ovidio, and together Vicente and his father groomed and cared for Cajun Cash. Vicente learned how to polish his galloping and riding skills aboard that special horse.
Del Cid developed his love of horses in his native country, Guatemala, riding horses at his grandfather’s farm. In 2019, Vicente made the move to Louisiana, where he began his journey to becoming a jockey. Following his winning debut, Del Cid proceeded to win 14 more races at Delta Downs before the calendar year ended, and a total of 42 wins by the end of that winter meet, finishing 6th in the jockey standings.
Del Cid then continued his winnings at Evangeline Downs summer meet of 2022, finishing first in the standings with 125 wins, a 25%-win percentage, and finishing in the money 314 times out of 500 starts. He then took the leading rider title at Delta downs in the 2022-2023 winter meet with 121 wins and followed that by again taking the title at the 2023 summer Evangeline downs meet.
As an apprentice jockey, Vicente won 266 races, was a nominee for the Eclipse Award, and finished second in the nation for the most wins that year. Del Cid says, “When I lost my bug, thanks to God, I’ve always done good”.
Despite his incredible success thus far in his career, Vicente remains extremely humble. He credits fellow-rider Joel Dominguez for giving him the confidence and guidance to pursue his passion to become a rider. “More than anybody, Joel Dominguez told me that I looked good on horses…he was there at all moments, telling me how to take the turns and when to come down. He was always giving me advice.” Del Cid explained that even before he debuted, Joel was supportive and helpful. In addition to Joel’s support, he is grateful for his agent, Louis Coco, who has been with him for the majority of his career so far.
Vicente Del Cid has started off the 2023-2024 winter meet at Delta Downs with a bang, winning 16 races of the first 54 races in the meet. The next closest jockey has just 5 wins.
