What Happened to Laffit Alejandro Pincay Jr.?
Laffit Pincay Jr. is a retired Panamanian jockey, widely considered one of the greatest in Thoroughbred racing history, who dominated the sport in the latter half of the 20th century. He retired in 2003 as the all-time winningest jockey with 9,530 career victories and over $237 million in earnings, and continues to be honored within the racing community, with a stakes race and an annual award named after him, and remains active in the sport's recognition events.
Quick Answer
Laffit Pincay Jr. is a legendary retired jockey who concluded his illustrious career in 2003 with a then-record 9,530 wins and five Eclipse Awards. Since his retirement, he has remained a revered figure in horse racing. In 2024, Santa Anita Park renamed the Grade 2 San Antonio Stakes as the Laffit Pincay Jr. Stakes in his honor. Most recently, in August 2026, Joe Harper was named the 22nd recipient of the annual Laffit Pincay Jr. Award, which Pincay himself presents, recognizing individuals who have served racing with integrity and distinction. Pincay, born December 29, 1946, is currently 79 years old and resides in Arcadia, California.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Born in Panama City, Panama
Laffit Alejandro Pincay Jr. was born in Panama City, Panama.
Began U.S. Riding Career
At age 19, Pincay arrived in the United States and quickly found success, winning eight of his first eleven races at Arlington Park.
Received George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award
Pincay was voted the prestigious George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award, recognizing his career and personal conduct.
Won First Eclipse Award
He won his first Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey, an honor he would receive five times in his career.
Inducted into Hall of Fame
Pincay was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame at the young age of 28, while still an active rider.
Kentucky Derby Victory
Pincay won his only Kentucky Derby aboard Swale, completing a remarkable run of three consecutive Belmont Stakes wins (1982-1984).
First Wife Linda Pincay Dies
His first wife, Linda Pincay, tragically died by suicide.
Broke Bill Shoemaker's Win Record
Pincay surpassed Bill Shoemaker's record of 8,833 career wins, achieving his 8,834th victory aboard Irish Nip at Hollywood Park.
First Jockey to Reach 9,000 Wins
He became the first jockey in history to reach 9,000 career wins, riding Chichim to victory at Santa Anita.
Career-Ending Injury
Pincay suffered a severe neck injury in a spill at Santa Anita, fracturing his second cervical vertebra, which ultimately led to his retirement.
Announced Retirement
Following medical advice due to his injury, Pincay announced his retirement from racing with 9,530 career victories.
Laffit Pincay Jr. Award Established
Hollywood Park created the annual Laffit Pincay Jr. Award to honor individuals who have served racing with integrity and distinction.
San Antonio Stakes Renamed in His Honor
Santa Anita Park announced that the Grade 2 San Antonio Stakes would be renamed the Laffit Pincay Jr. Stakes, with the first running under the new name on December 26, 2024.
Joe Harper Named Pincay Jr. Award Recipient
Joe Harper, CEO of Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, was named the 22nd recipient of the Laffit Pincay Jr. Award, to be honored on August 22, 2026.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Laffit Alejandro Pincay Jr., born on December 29, 1946, in Panama City, Panama, is an iconic figure in American Thoroughbred horse racing. His career, spanning from 1966 to 2003, established him as one of the sport's most dominant and successful jockeys. Pincay arrived in the United States in 1966 at the age of 19, sponsored by horseman Fred Hooper and agent Camilo Marin, and quickly found success, winning eight of his first eleven races at Arlington Park. He became particularly synonymous with Southern California racing, setting career-win records at Hollywood Park (3,049), Santa Anita (2,860), and Del Mar (1,011) and winning a combined 637 stakes races at these tracks.
Pincay's career was marked by numerous accolades and record-breaking achievements. He won five Eclipse Awards for Outstanding Jockey (1971, 1973, 1974, 1979, and 1985) and led North American jockeys by earnings seven times. His major victories include the 1984 Kentucky Derby aboard Swale and three consecutive Belmont Stakes wins with Conquistador Cielo (1982), Caveat (1983), and Swale (1984). On December 10, 1999, Pincay surpassed Bill Shoemaker's long-standing record of 8,833 career wins, achieving his 8,834th victory aboard Irish Nip at Hollywood Park. He further cemented his legacy by becoming the first jockey to reach 9,000 career wins on October 28, 2000, aboard Chichim at Santa Anita.
Pincay's illustrious career came to an end in April 2003, following a severe injury sustained in a spill on March 1, 2003, at Santa Anita. He suffered fractures to his second cervical vertebra, and doctors advised him against further riding due to insufficient spinal healing. At the time of his retirement, he held the all-time record for career victories with 9,530 wins and total purse earnings of $237,120,625. Although his win record was later surpassed by Russell Baze in 2006, Pincay remains one of the most revered figures in the sport.
In his post-riding career, Laffit Pincay Jr. has continued to be a prominent and respected ambassador for horse racing. His legacy is honored through several initiatives. The city of Inglewood, California, renamed a portion of 90th Street near the former Hollywood Park as Pincay Drive in 2003. In 2004, Hollywood Park established the Laffit Pincay Jr. Award, which is presented annually to an individual who has served racing with integrity, dedication, determination, and distinction. After Hollywood Park closed, the award moved to Del Mar. In a significant recognition of his enduring impact, Santa Anita Park announced in December 2024 that it would rename its long-standing Grade 2 San Antonio Stakes as the Laffit Pincay Jr. Stakes, with the inaugural running under the new name taking place on December 26, 2024. As of August 2026, Pincay, now 79 years old, remains active in presenting his namesake award, with Joe Harper being the 22nd recipient. His son, Laffit Pincay III, has also followed a career in horse racing as a broadcaster for HRTV and NBC Sports.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Laffit Alejandro Pincay Jr. made different choices?