KINGSTON, Jamaica - Panamanian jockey Dick Cardenas has faced significant challenges since a serious racetrack accident over two and a half years ago. Following a lengthy recovery period, he returned to the sport in mid-2024 but has struggled to find success.
Despite regaining confidence and dedicating himself to morning practices, Cardenas has been unable to secure many of the high-calibre rides that lead to victory.
However, Saturday, February 15, 2025, marked a pivotal moment for Cardenas as he delivered a longshot double that showcased his enduring talent and resilience.
He began his double day aboard Sensational Gold, a horse conditioned by Randolph Scott, in the fourth race. In a seven-furlong contest, Cardenas expertly held back for the first half of the race before expertly guiding Sensational Gold to the front. Once he took the lead, the pair was unstoppable, crossing the finish line at odds of 11 to 1.
But Cardenas wasn’t done yet. In a display of horsemanship, he then steered Wicked Cassie, a US import trained by Patrick Lynch, to victory in a challenging 5 ½ -furlong race. With a deft touch and minimal use of the whip, he timed his move perfectly to come from behind and clinch the win over, So Beautiful. Wicked Cassie triumphed at odds of 26 to 1.
These victories not only reaffirmed Cardenas’s capabilities as a top jockey but also served as a compelling reminder of his fighting spirit in the face of adversity.
