Jockey, 19, dies ‘on impact’ in motorbike crash days after discovering he was going to be a dad
A 19-YEAR-OLD jockey died ‘on impact’ in a horrific motorbike crash – days after discovering he was going to be a dad.
Top apprentice rider Luis Yamil Marcano died after suffering multiple injuries in a smash in Puerto Rico.
According to reports, Marcano was riding a Honda CRF450 bike when it collided with a Ford truck.
The jockey died ‘on impact’ but the truck fled the scene and the driver has not yet been found.
Marcano had only just found out that he was going to become a father.
He announced on Instagram that he would be moving to Tampa Bay Downs, a popular track in Florida, US, in the near future.
The jockey had made a name for himself riding at Belterra Park in Ohio where he became leading apprentice with 40 wins over the summer.
The Puerto Rican Gaming Commission paid tribute to the rider in a statement.
It said: “Luis Yamil, an exceptional and passionate rider, represented the best of our sport with his dedication and talent.
“His early departure fills us with sadness, but his legacy fills us with pride for all that he accomplished in his short career.
“We extend our deepest condolences and a strong hug of solidarity to his family, friends and the entire equestrian community that today mourns his loss.
“May you find comfort in his inspiring legacy and in the memories of his triumphs and his fighting spirit.”
Marcano graduated from Puerto Rico’s prestigious Agustín Mercado Reverón riding school last year.
Iconic riders such as two-time US Champion Jockey John Velazquez and brothers Irad and Jose Ortiz attended the same college.
Marcano won 52 times in all last year and amassed prize money earnings of more than £550,000.