Are You Looking for Value Plays?
If you’ve been searching for a jockey delivering both consistency and value at the betting windows, look no further than rising Alberta rider Mauricio Malvaez.
Malvaez has been lighting up the winner’s circle at an impressive 43% strike rate while averaging a $23 win payout — quickly becoming a name horseplayers and racing fans are paying close attention to across the Alberta circuit.
For Malvaez, the journey began long before the recent success. Growing up around the excitement of Northlands Park, he spent countless hours watching some of Alberta racing’s most accomplished riders.
“My favorite riders growing up had to be Quincy Welch, Rafael Zenteno Sr., and Rico Walcott,” Malvaez says. “Each of them had something special in their riding abilities that I tried to learn from by watching them and eventually riding alongside them.”
While horse racing had always been part of his life, Malvaez says the defining moment came in 2018 after participating in the C Cup Classic charity race.
“That was probably the moment I decided I wanted to be a jockey,” he explains. “I really fell in love with the feeling of being out there at full flight with a group of competitors.”
Every successful rider has someone who helps guide them in the early stages of their career, and for Malvaez, that person was Adrian Gonzalez.
“Adrian was the first person who took the time to go out on the track with me when I knew absolutely nothing about riding,”Malvaez says. “He patiently taught me and got me started. When I began race riding, he was always there supporting me and helping with anything I needed.”
The respect and appreciation remain strong today.
That guidance helped pave the way toward one of the biggest moments of his young career — winning the prestigious Canadian Derby.
“Winning the Derby felt a bit surreal,” Malvaez says. “I was still an apprentice, and it was only my 10th career win.”
The victory carried extra meaning because of the connections behind the opportunity.
“I’ll forever be grateful to Shelley Brown and Rod Cone for giving me that chance,” he says. “It felt especially meaningful to win it for Shelley while she was going through such a tough time.”
Away from the racetrack, another important figure continues to play a major role in his success — his father, Marcos, who serves as both agent and mentor.
“Working with my dad has been really great,” Malvaez says. “He’s always pushing me to be better, work harder, and helping with anything I need.”
Their close relationship has created a strong professional partnership built on trust and communication.
“It’s nice having great communication so we’re always on the same page. I think we make a really good team, and we’re off to a great start so far.”
