Living in Peru : your everyday companion

Living in Peru
Israel J. Ruiz


Edgar Prado, a native of Lima Peru, had reason to celebrate when he became the 19th jockey in thoroughbred racing history to win 5,000 races in 2004.

Prado was once again in the limelight when he and his horse Barbaro decisively won the Kentucky Derby by 6½ lengths in 2006, the largest margin of victory since 1946.

The 40-year-old jockey, who comes from a family of 11 and began his riding career in Peru at the age of 16, is to be honored once again.

He has been selected for induction into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame.

When Prado, who also won two Belmont Stakes, was told he had been elected; he was left without words. "I'm just speechless," said the jockey. "I'm shaking like a leaf."

Among the six honorees voted into the Hall of Fame were two-time Derby winning trainer Carl Nafzger, champion filly Banshee Breeze; and Ismael "Milo" Valenzuela, a two-time Derby-winning jockey.

These champions were among those selected by the Historic Review Committee.

Prado, who currently has over 6,000 victories with earnings of over $205,283,400, will be inducted on August 4 along with his class.