Veteran jockey Martin Garcia is returning to the Kentucky Derby (G1) after a 10-year break. He will ride Citizen Bull, the 2-year-old male champion from the previous year, for trainer Bob Baffert in the 151st Run for the Roses on May 3 at Churchill Downs. “It’s a dream come true,” Garcia, a 40-year-old Veracruz, Mexico native, was told. “It’s what every jockey wants.” Between 2010 and 2015, Garcia participated in the Kentucky Derby four times. In 2015, Dortmund, who was also trained by Baffert, placed third behind American Pharoah, the winner, marking his best finish to date. “I’m excited to get back, most of all because I know I have a very good horse to ride,” Garcia stated.
Last October at Santa Anita Park, Garcia rode Citizen Bull for the first time in the American Pharoah Stakes (G1), which they won. Garcia got the mount thanks to a lucky phone call. Baffert had one jockey left but intended to enter three horses in the American Pharoah. On the morning of entries, Garcia just so happened to give Baffert a call. ‘Hey, I’m happy you phoned,’ I say. On Saturday, what are you doing? Following the American Pharoah, Baffert shared. They would go on to win the American Pharoah by two lengths in front-running fashion when Garcia got the mount on Citizen Bull. After defeating the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at Del Mar, Garcia and Citizen Bull were once again in the winner’s circle four weeks later. Garcia’s fifth victory at the Breeders’ Cup and first since the 2016 Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) when scoring with Drefong, also for Baffert.
Garcia will be aiming for a strong comeback from Citizen Bull in the Kentucky Derby. Citizen Bull set the pace and finished a disappointing fourth in the April 5 Santa Anita Derby (G1) after starting his 3-year-old season with another victory in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita in February. “I think it just wasn’t his day,” Garcia stated the statement. “People and horses can be similar in that we all have bad days. However, everyone is aware that he is a superstar horse. We’re hoping for a successful outcome in Kentucky. After Citizen Bull’s encouraging exercise on April 18 at Santa Anita—his second since the Santa Anita Derby—Garcia does have cause for optimism. Citizen Bull was employed by the the second time since the Santa Anita Derby. It was a promising drill. Working with a target several lengths in front, Citizen Bull swept past his workmate in the stretch and galloped out strongly. He was credited with a six-furlong work in 1:11 4/5, which was the fastest of the day from four works at the distance.
“He worked really good,” Garcia remarked. “Mr. Baffert advised me to slow down a bit. He then switched leads flawlessly and began reaching out as usual along the stretch when it was time to let him run. Additionally, the gallop-out was excellent. Garcia had won 1,829 races and earned over $111 million in purse money as of Sunday. Garcia remarked, “I’m just really excited,” about taking the stage again. “It means a lot to me.”
