Jockey Francisco Arrieta Making a Mark in First Oaklawn Meet
At 0h02, on March 10, 2021 • By OAKLAWN PARK
Francisco Arrieta points his right index finger to the sky following each victory. The jockey said it’s not about finishing No. 1 but acknowledging the heavens.
Arrieta had raised his right arm 19 times through Saturday, the 18th day of racing at Oaklawn.
In a room full of newcomers at the 2021 meet, Arrieta has clearly made the biggest impression, trailing only seven-time local riding champion Ricardo Santana Jr. in the standings. Santana ended Saturday with 21 victories.
Arrieta’s purse earnings of $886,253, from 82 mounts through Saturday, ranked third.
“Everybody told me it’s really tough here,” Arrieta, 32, said during training hours Friday morning. “But I’ve got belief. When you believe and get the opportunity, if you get the opportunity … now I’m doing really good.”
