Peruvian Edgar Prado rides in the Kentucky Derby

Edgar Prado is arguably the most famous jockey who will be riding in the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday. Three years ago the 40-year-old Peruvian brought the tragic Barbaro to a six-and-a-half-length victory at Churchill downs.

And he was atop the thoroughbred two weeks later at the Preakness Stakes when the horse’s leg shattered dooming it.

That ill-starred ride was the highlight of what has been a phenomenal racing career for Prado. He has won more than 6,000 races, ridden in more than 31,500 and tallied more than $200 million in winnings. In August, the jockey will be inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame.

On Saturday, he will be riding Adriano, a 30-1 favorite, in the Run for the Roses.

He grew up in Lima near the Monterrico racetrack where his father worked and he learned about the sport. He won his first race as a rider there in 1983 and then came to the United States three years later.

The 5’ 3”, 114-pound jockey rode his first winner in Peru in 1983 and was a leading rider there before coming to the U.S. in 1986. And although he now lives in Miami, he says he still loves Peruvian ceviche.

He is, perhaps, most famous for his association with Barbaro and his book about the horse, My Guy Barbaro, was released this year.

“He is still a special horse to me,” Prado says. “He brought me the biggest thrill of my life, other than when my kids were born.”

Prado won’t be the only Peruvian rider at Churchill Downs on Saturday. Rafael Bejarano, who boasts 1,640 career wins is set to ride Anak Nakal in the Run for the Roses. Hailing from Arequipa, Bejarano now lives in Louisville, Kentucky, the home of the derby.

In addition to the pair of Peruvians there are three Venezuelans, three Panamanians as well as riders from Brazil, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico.