Sonny Leon

For the model and actress, see Sunny Leone.

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]

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]

  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.