Triple Crown-Winning Jockey Espinoza Donates Winnings to Charity
Popular jockey Victor Espinoza has decided to donate his entire prize money towards cancer research after being judged the 12th Triple Crown winner.
In an interview to USA Today, Espinoza said, "At the wire I was like, 'I cannot believe I did it'. I won the Triple Crown race now, but I didn't make any money, because I donated my money to the City of Hope."
Espinoza grew up in farm on the outskirts of Mexico City and worked initially as a bus driver.
Upon on his arrival to California, he teamed up with trainer Bob Baffert as a jockey and has been riding the American Pharaoh since September last year.
Espinoza has for sometime been donating a portion of his prize money to City of Hope, a cancer research center in California.
"Good health - that's what I want for everyone. With good health, people can enjoy life and do those things that make them happy," Espinoza said. "By working to defeat cancer, City of Hope's researchers and doctors are bringing a greater chance of health and happiness to people everywhere."
In a statement made on their website, City of Hope said, "As before, Espinoza has promised to donate a portion of his winnings to City of Hope, continuing his record of support of the institution's groundbreaking research and life-saving, patient-focused care. Espinoza often visits City of Hope campus, sharing smiles, gifts and stories of his more than 3,200 career victories with patients."
