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Arroyo Makes Move to Midwest
Each year, several new jockeys test their skills at Hoosier Park Racing and Casino. One new name Indiana racing fans will become familiar with is Nelson Arroyo, who makes his first start over Indiana’s oval when the 2009 season begins Thursday, July 30.
A native of Puerto Rico, Arroyo took a different path into horse racing than most jockeys. His father, Noriberto, was a boxing coach and was the sparring partner for Roberto Duran. The family moved to Boston when Arroyo was 10. Arroyo, the third of eight children, and his five brothers all pursued boxing. At the age of 16, Arroyo won all 13 of his fights in the feather-weight category under his dad’s supervision and was headed to the Golden Gloves when an unfortunate car accident changed his life. Arroyo was hit by two trucks at the same time, placing him out of commission in the boxing world.
Arroyo’s older brother, Noriberto, Jr., got into horse racing and is a successful jockey on the East Coast. He suggested Arroyo test his skills at Suffolk Downs in Boston as a hot walker. He worked for two days before realizing he wanted to pursue a career as a jockey and began to inquire about riding. Five days later, Arroyo headed to the farms in Ocala, Fla. with $100 in his pocket and eight months later, had received his jock’s license.
Arroyo began riding in 2001. He was the leading apprentice rider at Suffolk Downs, Philadelphia Park, and in New Jersey during 2002. After riding a year at Philadelphia Park, he landed on the New York Racing circuit and spent most of the next three years riding at Belmont Park and Aqueduct.
In 2005, Arroyo walked away from racing and relocated to Orlando with his wife, Madeline, who he has been with since he was 13. The Arroyos now have three kids Eric, age 11, Elijah, age nine, and Brandon, age three. It wasn’t until six months ago that Arroyo stepped back into the racing world.
“I went over to Ocala to a farm to get on some babies,” said Arroyo. “One of the trainers there suggested I get back to riding, and I just went with the flow. Three weeks later, I rode one at Tampa Bay Downs and at the end of the meet, I headed to Indiana.”
Arroyo and his family have relocated to Central Indiana for the duration of the racing season this year. Now 29, Arroyo is working hard to re-establish himself as a rider and break into an area where he is virtually unknown.
“Because of my boxing background, I got into several fights when I was riding in New York and I was starting to get a reputation,” said Arroyo. “In 2005, I just needed to get away from the business and needed time to grow up. I feel like moving to Indiana is a new start for me and my family. I’m hoping to make this a permanent move for us and with the right luck, I’d like to get back into contention as a leading rider here.”
Arroyo is off to a good start. This spring, he brought home 12 winners at Indiana Downs to finish among the track’s top 15 riders.
Arroyo is teamed up with jockey’s agent Brinda Robbins, who retired from riding in 2007 following a racing accident that left her with one kidney. The Anderson resident has also picked up another new jockey, Nestor Maldanado, who is an apprentice.
Live Thoroughbred racing will be offered five days a week at Hoosier Park Racing and Casino in 2009 through Saturday, Oct. 24. First post is set at 4:45 p.m. Wed. and Thursday while racing begins at 12:45 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
