Manuel Aguilar Birthdate: Oct. 8, 1973 Birthplace: Lima, Peru Residence: Pembroke Pines, Fla. Family: Single

2008 Gulfstream Record

Career:

• Began riding in native Peru in 1991 and became one of country’s most successful jockeys ... 
• Won more than 900 races over eight years there
• Came to United States in 1999 and moved tack to New Jersey, riding primarily at Monmouth Park and the Meadowlands ... Also rode briefly on Maryland circuit 
• Headed to Florida in 2001 and finished third in Calder standings, second at 2001/2002 Tropical-at-Calder meet
• Finished third at Calder again in 2004
• Was aboard when Aclassysassylassy became just the second filly to sweep the Florida Stallion Stakes in 2004
• Has been among the Top 10 jockeys at Calder at each meet every year since 2003.  That was his best season when he ranked sixth with over $1.5 million in earnings 
• Landed six-figure stakes wins in 2008 aboard Aroma de Mujer in the Florida Stallion Series and Sugar Mom in the Kentucky Cup Juvenile Fillies at Turfway Park
• Other: Taken by father to racetrack at age 15 to watch horses train and knew he wanted to become a jockey from that point on ... Enrolled in Peru’s jockey school and completed two-year-program ... Had inauspicious debut in 1991 when first career mount fell at start - “I was so mad and everything was running through my mind.  I was thinking I was green and didn’t know anything.” ... Next mount finished fourth, and first win was the appropriately named Comeback Dancer.