I Owe Everything to the Sport of Horse Racing

- Jose Godinez

Growing up in Jalisco, Mexico, I saw my parents and my family struggle to make ends meet. That’s why when I was 15, I immigrated to the United States in the hopes of building a better life, not only for myself but for my family and future children.

The first job I found was as an exercise rider in the thoroughbred industry. Little did I know that this job would change my life for the better. I quickly worked my way up through the sport of horse racing, transferring over to the harness industry as a caretaker. Because of my stable career, I was fortunate enough to earn my citizenship and even sponsor my parents so that they could join me in New York.

Fast forward to today, I’ve been able to build my business from the ground up, train 14 horses, and employ my parents and wife all while caring for my two children. I’m particularly proud of the fact that I’ve even been able to give back to my family in Mexico by building them houses and supporting them financially. On top of it all, working with horses every day barely feels like a job – it’s a dream come true.

Every day I wake up so grateful that I found my way to the racing stables 24 years ago. To me, horse racing is so much more than a sport, it was my pathway to the American Dream.