Gulfstream: Joe Bravo Returns to Gulfstream Park Winner’s Circle

By David Joseph —-

Ryan Thompson Photo

Joe Bravo Returns to Gulfstream Park Winner’s Circle

Jersey Joe, David Fawkes Team Up Again for Race 3 Win

HALLANDALE BEACH, FL –Jockey Joe Bravo has enjoyed a history of success on David Fawkes-trained horses at Gulfstream Park and beyond over the years, so it was only fitting that the veteran rider would score his first victory since returning from Southern California aboard a Fawkes trainee.

Bravo, who has ridden the winners of 5627 races and more than $199.7 million in purses, guided Whateverwilbewillbe to victory with a heads-up ride in Sunday’s Race 3 of Gulfstream Park’s nine-race program. Bravo broke through with his first win back at Gulfstream on only his second mount.

“It’s nice to be home, but it’s even better to do it for friends,” said the 52-year-old jockey who began is career in South Florida in 1988. “Look at the horse he put me on. I was just able to sit there. It made my job easier.”

Bravo eased Whateverwilbewillbe off a contested early pace in the seven-furlong maiden claiming race to attain a ground-saving trip behind the speed into the far turn. Midway on the turn, Brave slipped his mount inside the tiring pacesetter on his way to a 1 ¼-length victory.

Bravo made a most successful foray into the Southern California Thoroughbred racing circuit after leaving the East Coast in 2021, winning several graded stakes, including the 2022 Big Crosby (G1) aboard American Theorem.

“I was thankful, but when it came right down to it, off days in California became pretty quiet for me. I just wanted to be around the people I love and know, and that’s the reason I’m here,” Bravo said. “I’m excited to be back here racing.”

Bravo added to his impressive resume in 2015 and 2016 aboard Fawkes-trained Sheer Drama, who won the 2015 Royal Delta (G2) before capturing three-straight Grade 1 victories in 2016.

Bravo and Fawkes are long-time fishing buddies in addition to being a successful jockey-trainer duo.

“I have to cut his bait. He has me cleaning the boat. It’s horrible,” Bravo quipped.

About The Stronach Group and 1/ST

The Stronach Group is a world-class technology, entertainment and real estate development company with Thoroughbred racing and pari-mutuel wagering at the core. The Stronach Group’s 1/ST business (pronounced “First”) is North America’s preeminent Thoroughbred racing and pari-mutuel wagering company and includes the 1/ST RACING & GAMING, 1/ST CONTENT, 1/ST TECHNOLOGY and 1/ST EXPERIENCE businesses, while advocating for and driving the 1/ST HORSE CARE mission. 1/ST represents The Stronach Group’s continued movement toward redefining Thoroughbred racing and the ecosystem that drives it. 1/ST RACING & GAMING drives the best-in-class racing operations and gaming offerings at the company’s premier racetracks and training centers including: Santa Anita Park, Golden Gate Fields and San Luis Rey Downs (California); Gulfstream Park – home of the Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational Series, Gulfstream Park West and Palm Meadows Thoroughbred Training Center (Florida); the Maryland Jockey Club at Laurel Park, Pimlico Race Course – home of the legendary Preakness Stakes, Rosecroft Raceway and Bowie Training Center (Maryland). 1/ST CONTENT is the operating group for 1/ST’s media and content companies including: Monarch Content Management, Elite, TSG Global Wagering Solutions (GWS) and XBTV. 1/ST TECHNOLOGY is racing’s largest racing and gaming technology company offering world-class products via its AmTote, Xpressbet, 1/ST BET, XB SELECT, XB NET, PariMAX and Betmix brands. 1/ST EXPERIENCE blends the worlds of sports, entertainment and hospitality through innovative content development, elevated national and local venue management and hospitality, strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and procurement development. As the advocate for critical industry reforms and by making meaningful investments into aftercare programs for retired horses and jockeys, 1/ST HORSE CARE represents The Stronach Group’s commitment to achieving the highest level of horse and rider care and safety standards in Thoroughbred racing on and off the track. The Stronach Group’s TSG Properties is responsible for the development of the company’s live, play and work communities surrounding its racing venues including: The Village at Gulfstream Park (Florida) and Paddock Pointe (Maryland). For more information, please email david.joseph@gulfstreampark.com, visit www.1st.com or follow @1ST_racing on Twitter or @1stracing on Instagram and Facebook.