Lesly González secured a victory at the Club Hípico de Santiago by piloting Ribeye to victory in the Clásico Premio Universidad del Alba. As the sole female professional jockey currently competing in Chilean horse racing, González continues to defy historical industry barriers through rigorous athletic discipline and high-level race riding.
Fantasy & Market Impact
Breaking Through the Starting Gate
In a sport defined by split-second fractions and unforgiving physical demands, races often last barely a minute and a half. Yet, that brief window encapsulates years of calculated preparation. When Lesly González steered Ribeye across the finish line to capture the Clásico Premio Universidad del Alba at the Club Hípico de Santiago, it marked far more than another line on her race card. According to regional coverage from ChillanOnline, the triumph reaffirmed the career of Chile’s only active female professional jockey.
The path to elite-level race riding required navigating an industry historically dominated by male riders. González has consistently relied on results and race-day execution to secure quality mounts. “Lo que estoy buscando en este mundo es ganar carreras, para que después no digan lo contrario,” González stated in an interview with Radio BioBio’s Expreso AM. “En lo que va del año llevo 152 victorias. La primera que tuve fue el 10 de febrero del 2019, y son cosas que jamás imaginé que podrían ocurrir.”
From Childhood Passion to Professional Conditioning
Horses shaped González’s daily life long before she entered a professional jockeys’ academy. Growing up surrounded by family members who actively engaged with the racing world—including grandfathers and uncles who were players—she cultivated an early ambition to have her own horse.
That ambition faced an immediate hurdle when she considered leaving formal education prematurely. Her father insisted she complete her secondary education, known locally as cuarto medio, before pursuing any professional path in equestrian sports. Following graduation and a brief period in the workforce, she enrolled in the jockey training school, completing the program and stepping onto the competitive track within two years.
Modern professional race riding demands strict weight management, physical conditioning, and familiarity with horses. Every mount requires distinct tactical handling, whether managing stamina or timing a late surge.
Confronting the Risks of the Oval Track
Competing at the highest level of thoroughbred racing exposes jockeys to severe physical hazards. González acknowledges the inherent danger of racing, where a fall can occur.
“Un jinete se hace para montar caballos de carrera. Entonces uno debe saber a lo que vas,” González noted via Radio BioBio. “Cuando estuve entrando en esto, yo dije sí o sí me voy a caer, o corriendo de por sí puedo tener un accidente, pero la idea es que no pase. Tarde o temprano va a llegar ese momento, y uno tiene que aceptarlo.”
| Metric / Milestone | Recorded Data |
|---|---|
| First Career Victory | February 10, 2019 |
| Season Wins (To Date) | 152 Victories |
| Recent Major Victory | Clásico Premio Universidad del Alba (with Ribeye) |
| Venue | Club Hípico de Santiago |
That physical reality turned grim in January 2022, when González suffered the most severe accident of her career. A fall left her hospitalized and unconscious for a week, forcing a recovery process. Rather than stepping away from the sport, she returned to competitive race riding.
Establishing a Precedent in Chilean Racing
While female participation in Chilean racing remains limited, González’s ongoing success changes the demographic makeup of the weighing room. By competing on equal terms with men in high-stakes events, she provides a visible pathway for younger aspirants looking to enter the industry.
Her partnership with Ribeye in the Clásico Premio Universidad del Alba highlights an ability to deliver under high-pressure conditions at the Club Hípico de Santiago.
