Jockey Samuel Marin continues to make waves after his remarkable first-grade stakes victory, originally covered by the Paulick Report. The 23-year-old jockey, fresh off a standout weekend at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, New Jersey, traveled to New Kent, Virginia on July 21 before returning to compete at Colonial Downs midweek.
Marin was still riding high from the biggest win of his career, having guided Surface to a $41.40 upset victory in the Grade 3 Monmouth Cup on the Haskell Undercard. “It was incredible,” Marin reflected on his first gradual stakes win, adding that his preparation and instincts about the horse paid off perfectly. His agent, Mike Moran, also praised the achievement, noting the competitive field and excellent readiness of the trainers.
On the eve of the Haskell, Marin notched another triumph, winning the Jersey Shore Stakes in commanding fashion. He also holds a 2024 stakes win with New Jersey G1 winner Muem Danno, highlighting his growing success at Monmouth Park— a familiar venue, as Marin first rode horses at age 12 on his family farm. An apprentice jockey in Venezuela’s Hippodro Morali Conada in 2019, he earned his first state victory there preparing for the G1 Haskell after winning the 2022 Long Branch Stakes.
Marin’s debut year in the US, 2022, saw him win nearly $1 million across 22 races, and since then he has consistently secured a place in the winner’s circle. Moran praises Marin’s dedication and skill: “He’s going to do everything right. Most of the time, he’s exactly where he needs to be. He does his homework.”
Earlier this spring at Tampa Bay Downs, Marin edged out competition to claim the top rider title of the winter/spring meet with 11 wins from 116 rides. One notable mount this season was Politician, who gave Marin a shot at the Kentucky Derby Points race at Aqueduct’s G2 Wood Memorial, finishing eighth. Last fall, he secured another major jockey title at the Meadowlands tournament in All Turf Monmouth.
Marin is now building on his domestic success with a stellar start to 2025, boasting 132 wins—up 28 from 2024— and earnings surpassing $4 million. He has a 20% win rate and finishes in the top three 58% of the time. Despite Monmouth Park’s tournament being midway, Marin’s main focus remains clear: surpassing 39-year-old leader Pacolopez, who currently holds 52 wins to Marin’s 34 and has dominated Monmouth’s leaderboards for six consecutive years.
Marin stays grounded about the challenge, “I know he has a business. We have a strong team behind us and will keep pushing.” Moran adds, “We won’t give up. We’ll keep trying, and if Lopez beats us, I’ll be the first to congratulate him.” After the Monmouth Park tournament ends on September 14, Marin plans to head back to Florida to ride at Gulfstream Park before defending his title at Tampa Bay Downs.
This story was originally reported by the Paulick Report on July 22, 2025.
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Fan Take: Samuel Marin’s rapid rise showcases new talent shaking up established hierarchies in horse racing, injecting fresh excitement and competition into the sport. His determination to challenge veteran leaders like Pacolopez hints at a thrilling rivalry that could captivate fans and elevate the profile of Monmouth Park and the broader racing circuit.
