Miguel Mena- Biography

Miguel Mena was a Peruvian-American jockey for Thoroughbred Horse racing who represented the United States on the national level at various races. He was a seasoned rider and a source of inspiration for many. Many of his well-wishers and friends are in mourning as a result of his death.

Miguel Mena began horse racing as a child and later moved to the United States of America at the age of 17 to pursue a career in the sport. In 2003, he began racing professionally as a jockey and won his first race at Calder Racecourse. Mena then began riding at Churchill Downs on a regular basis in 2006.

Miguel Mena- Birth, Parents, Siblings & Education

Miguel was born on November 6, 1986, in Lima, Peru to Peruvian parents and has been involved in horse racing since he was a child. Miguel’s father, Jose Mena, was also a jockey, which inspired him to pursue the profession as a career. However, little is known about his mother.

Miguel did not reveal much about his schooling, but he is thought to have graduated from high school. He did not reveal whether or not he attended college, and his qualifications are also unknown.

Miguel Mena- Relationship status

Miguel was married to April Mena, but no information about their marriage has been released. He also had two daughters with his wife, but their names have remained unknown to the public. He had made his home in Louisville, Kentucky, with his wife and children.

Miguel Mena- Professional Career

Miguel began horse racing as a child and later moved to the United States of America at the age of 17 to pursue a career in the sport.

In 2003, he began racing professionally as a jockey and won his first race at Calder Racecourse. Mena then began riding at Churchill Downs on a regular basis in 2006.

He won his first major race in 2007 at the Fayette Stakes, followed by the Matt Winn Stakes in 2007, the Lowa Derby in 2008, and the Sugar Bowl Stakes in 2009.

Miguel won two Grade 1 races during his career, the first at Saratoga in 2010 and the second at Churchill Downs.

He went on to win several races, including the Bashford Manor Stakes in 2009, the Derby Trial Stakes in 2009, the Sorority stakes in 2010, the Tiffany Lass Strike in 2011, and the Golden Rod Strike in 2020, to name a few.

Miguel won 451 races at Churchill Downs and is ranked 15th all-time. Miguel also took home 16 stakes races at the historic track, including two in the Stephen Foster Stakes and Tom’s D Etat.

He has 136 stakes wins and 37 graded race wins to his credit.

In 2018, he suffered a serious injury while riding and fractured several bones, including his heel and ankle, rendering him unable to race for approximately 6 months. He quickly recovered and went on to set a record and win a number of races.

More recently, in 2020, he was ranked tenth in the Fair Grounds Rider standings, with 28 total wins that year.

After recovering from a serious injury, he was named the inaugural winner of the Randy Romero Pure Courage award the same year.

His final race before death, however, was on Saturday at Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky.

Miguel Mena- Height & Weight

Miguel Menastands at the Height in feet and inches is 5′ 7″; height in centimeters is 170 cm.

He Weights in Kilograms: 60 kg; Weight in Pounds: 132 lbs.

Miguel Mena- The Cause of Death

Miguel died on October 31, 2021, in Louisville, Kentucky, at the age of 34, after being struck by a vehicle while walking as a pedestrian. He got out of his car, which was parked near the Hurstbourne lane, and crossed the highway’s eastbound lanes, where he was struck while walking.

He died on the spot as a result of blunt force injuries sustained in the collision. The investigation is still ongoing, and the driver who hit him is being questioned, but no charges have been filed in the case as of yet.

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Quick Facts of Miguel Mena

• In 2006, Mena was named the Leading Rider at Ellis Park.
• In 2007, he was also the leading rider at Presque Isle Downs.
• Miguel is the sire of the well-known thoroughbred racehorse Backtalk.
• Throughout his career, he has won a total of 2071 races.
• Miguel died just a week before his 35th birthday.
• With 215 wins in 2007, he was ranked 26th in North America.