Julio Felix
Jockey Julio Felix is a name you should be familiar with if you have been a fan of racing in the Midwest over the past two decades. A natural born athlete from a family of ten, he was raised in the Virgin Islands – not the most smoothly paved road to success in the U.S. Growing up his sport of choice was baseball, where he rose to be the starting pitcher representing the Virgin Islands against rival Puerto Rico. That game outgrew him, and his size and athleticism fit the saddle perfectly. Julio has a wonderful story of overcoming challenges as a young rider, but with his talent apparent, he was chosen to ride in the most prestigious Governor’s Cup of St. Croix/St. Thomas for his first career victory! Since then, he has been looked upon as a beloved success story and sports hero by the people of the Virgin Islands. Felix was part of a three-man triumvirate along with owner/breeder Ron McKay and trainer Mike Nance that won over 100 stakes races among his 3,355 career victories and nine riding titles at Thistledown. Felix moved his family to the Chicago area where he made a good living riding primarily at Arlington Park.
