Alexandra Jara, the 23-year-old sister of 2006 Belmont Stakes (gr. I)-winning jockey Fernando Jara, is set to make her riding debut on Dec. 8 at Hipódromo Presidente Remón in Juan Diaz, Panama.
Jara, a graduate of the Laffit Pincay Jr. Jockey School, spent two years in the well-known program that also produced her brother and generations of top riders—from current reinsmen like Jose Lezcano, Alex Solis, Cornelio Velasquez, Gabriel Saez, and Luis Saez, to Hall of Famers such as Manuel Ycaza, Braulio Baeza, and Pincay himself.
Jara was the only female to graduate from her class of 11.
"I always had that little thing inside that I wanted to do it, and when the time came I just decided that I didn't want to regret it later if I didn't try," Jara said. "It's awesome how it feels right now."
Omar Hermoso is representing the young rider in Panama, where she plans to ride for the near future.
"Panama for a while, then I will see what all this has for me," Jara said. "Of course, I want to go to the US...and around the world!"
Jara's father, Jorge Jara, was a trainer, and her grandfather, Hugo Jara, rode races before he turned to training as well. Her brother, who is about to turn 26, hung his tack in Florida this year at Gulfstream Park, Tampa Bay Downs, and Calder Casino & Race Course.
