Jockey Belen Quinonez

Born:  04/02/79, Sinaloa, Mexico Resides: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma  Family:  Mayra, (wife); Brianna, (daughter); Alfredo and Jair (sons).

Belen, one of three jockey brothers now riding, finished among the top 10 riders at Oaklawn in 2007. He accepted 231 mounts at the meeting, winning with 21 and earning $346,142 in purses.

The oldest borther is Luis, an Oaklawn regular, who wound with the 2007 Oaklawn jockey title.

"The youngest is Alonso, an apprentice, now having such a fine meeting at Turfway Park," said Belen.

Belen rode at Oaklawn for the first time in 2006, winning with 14 of his 198 mounts. He later rode at Louisiana Downs, Remington and Sam Houston.

"I won my fourth career stakes at Sam Houston. That was on Tunnel Time in the San Jacinto Stakes. Actually Tunnel Time finished in a first place dead heat with Wild Encounter," said the jockey.

Belen, 27 happily recalls his first career  winner.

"That was at Canterbury in 2002. However, I lost a year of riding because there was a mix-up getting my work permit, which has to be renewed every year," pointed out Belen.

Because of the success of his brother, Luis, the younger Quinonez decided early in life that he wanted to be a jockey.

"Thanks to Luis, I came to the races by way the average bug-rider does. Our young brother Alonso is doing the same," he said.

Luis came to America and had to learn English. He worked as a hot walker, then groom and finally as an exercise rider. One year led to another, then two, then three, before anyone would give him the chance to ride. After eight years in this country, Luis received his chance and made the most of it. Now at Turfway, Alonso is also making a name for himself."