Middleburg Horseman Helps Jockey Make Kentucky Derby History By Leonard Shapiro and Vicky Moon
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iddleburg is horse country, so why would anyone be surprised to learn that local resident and long-time horseman Don Yovanovich played an obviously critical role in helping pave the way for Rich Strike’s stunning upset victory in the 148th Kentucky Derby. The last-second entry in the world’s most famous horse race, Rich Strike went off at staggering 80 to 1 odds and was ridden by Venezuela native Sonny Leon. The jockey had been as much an unknown at most major U.S. racing venues as the horse he brilliantly rallied down the stretch to arguably the Photo by Conrad Photography. greatest upset in Derby history. Jockey Sonny Leon won the Last year, Leon came perilously close to being Kentucky Derby aboard #21 deported when the U.S. Immigration Service Rich Strike. initially denied his request to remain in the country. Yovanovich was a good friend of Leon’s attorney, who asked him to write a letter of recommendation for his client making the case to have the jockey’s visa renewed. Kirt Thompson, director of the Texas Service Center for the Department of Homeland Security, wanted clarification on Leon’s role as a professional jockey in the U.S. Yovanovich complied with a meticulously researched 1,800-word reply. Yovanovich is executive director of the Amateur Riders Club of America and president of the Virginia Point to Point Foundation. He’s served on the boards of the Virginia Steeplechase Association and Virginia Gold Cup Association and also
been active in other national and international equine organizations. “I have known many foreign riders in my over 50 years of experience at the racetrack,” Yovanovich wrote in his recommendation letter dated Dec. 27, 2021. “It takes a lot of courage to leave a successful career at home and try your luck in a new country where, so few Americans pay any attention to what racing is like in South America. Your race record at home may not mean much in the United States so to be successful and in demand, your behavior on the track and success on horseback must be professional and stellar. You must prove you are worthy of an American trainer’s confidence in you.” Yovanovich meticulously outlined Leon’s record at various Venezuelan and international racetracks as well as his record in seven years riding in America, including being the leading jockey at several lesser known American facilities. He concluded that Leon should be granted a visa and be allowed to continue riding in the U.S. “Sonny is proving that he is not only sustaining his outstanding riding talents, but he is also surpassing all expectations anyone may have had,” Yovanovich wrote. “His race records indicate he has sustained both national and international acclaim and that he is one of a small percentage (less than 10%) who has risen to the top of his profession. Finally, Yovanovich concluded, “he deserves the opportunity to stay in the United States and ride. He has proven he can make it here, he is a skilled artist of his trade, he is reliable, dedicated and devoted to his trainers, his horses, and his profession. I find no reason to deny his request.” Neither did Homeland Security, and the rest, as they say, is some incredibly stunning Kentucky Derby history. With Sonny Leon in the stirrups, Rich Strike clearly struck it rich, with some help from a Middleburg horseman.
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