Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 4:57 pm |
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Updated: August 27, 2026 at 5:01 pm
By Bill Finley
Despite enjoying considerable success since arriving in California in 2023, jockey Antonio Fresu will soon be making the trek east to Belmont Park. He has announced that he will begin riding in New York on opening day of the new Belmont Park, Sept. 18.
The news of Fresu’s imminent departure from California was first reported by the Daily Racing Form’s David Grening. Grening also reported that Samuel Marin will be joining the New York colony come opening day at Belmont.
“I’ve been working with (agent) Ron Anderson this year and he’s been doing a great job,” said Fresu, a native of Italy. “He came up with the idea of trying out something new for me. I was very positive about it. I know I’m going to leave a lot here because I’m well established in California, but it’s a new experience and I wanted to take the chance. I want to take this opportunity and see what’s on the other side.”
The news that Fresu is coming to New York comes as somewhat of a surprise because he has been a success in California almost from the minute he arrived. He was leading rider at Santa Anita’s Hollywood meet in 2025 and 2026 and finished second at the summer Del Mar meet each of the last three years. This year at Del Mar, he entered Thursday tied for third in the standings with 18 winners. His biggest win came in the 2024 GI Santa Anita Derby aboard Stronghold (Ghostzapper).
“I have nothing to complain about my time here,” Fresu said. “People have been amazing in California. They gave me a lot of support and opportunity and I’ve been doing well since I moved here. But this is a new experience. When Ron told me he thought I should go to Belmont I was very tempted.
“I’m very ambitious and to explore new places was on my mind already. I think being there probably will give me more exposure. I’m kind of sorry to leave this place because I’m well established here. But this means new opportunities, new experiences. I like to meet new people, to meet new horses and see new places. The world is an amazing place. Why not explore it all?”
Another factor is that the purses in New York are considerably higher than those in California.
“Obviously, when you look at the monetary side, it’s better in New York,” he said. “You can’t lie about that, but it’s not only because of the money.”
While still strong, the New York riding colony, once Saratoga ends, isn’t what it once was. That’s because the giant purses in Kentucky have drawn away both of the Ortiz brothers and Luis Saez.
Fresu said he did not yet know what he would do during the winter months. The choices would come down to staying in New York, going back to California or riding at Gulfstream.
Marin has won the last two riding titles at Tampa Bay Downs and entered Thursday second in the standings at Colonial Downs with 31 wins at the meet.
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