Jockey Profile - Rajiv Maragh

In 2003, Rajiv Maragh had a single mount. The horse he rode earned $80. The very next year, though, Maragh showed that he had the makings of a great jockey. Rajiv rode 796 horses in 2004. He won 78 races and finished in the money 33%. From then on, trainers knew that they could count on Rajiv Maragh to get it done.

Maragh's career took off until an injury in 2015 almost ended it. He bounced back from the injury to win graded stakes in 2017. Although he didn't win a graded stakes in 2018, he most definitely should this year. 57% of Rajiv's 46 mounts so far in 2019 have finished in the money.

Check out some of Rajiv's biggest victories during his 16-year career.

Rajiv Maragh is Back

Irish War Cry, 2017 Wood Memorial

I picked Irish War Cry to win the 2017 Kentucky Derby based mainly on his Wood Memorial run. Maragh put Irish War Cry near the lead behind chalk Battalion Runner and True Timber. Then when Rajiv said go, Irish War Cry easily handled the Todd Pletcher runner. This race proved that Maragh was back from the injury.

Wicked Strong, 2014 Wood Memorial

Chalk Social Inclusion ran very fast early, setting it up for Wicked Strong, but Rajiv still had to wait and work Wicked Strong in the stretch to get him up first. It was a magnificent ride. The key to determine the really great jockeys from those who aren't is to look and see when they time their runs.

It's all about pushing the button at the exact right moment. That's what Maragh did with Wicked Strong in the 2014 Wood Memorial.

Main Sequence, 2014 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic

Rajiv proved that he could handle horses on the grass just as well as he could handle horses on the dirt. Main Sequence was one of the favorites to win the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic. So, it's no surprise that Maragh got him up first. However, it's important to note that the horse closing on the outside is Big Blue Kitten.

Rajiv made the right move at the right time to get the jump on Big Blue Kitten. Then, he pushed Main Sequence to kick it into gear in the stretch to beat Twilight Eclipse.

Groupie Doll, 2013 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint

Maragh had won the 2012 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint aboard Groupie Doll. 2013 was all about showing the world how amazing the daughter of Bowman's Band was. Rajiv trusted in his horse, he always does, which is why even though he knew they were going blistering fast, a 44 and change half-mile fast, he had to keep her close before the top of the stretch. Once Groupie Doll took off, it was all over. No way Judy the Beauty was going to catch her.

Jockey Rajiv Margah rides at Aqueduct. However, he'll take his game to any track where a trainer needs a no fear jockey with a steady hand.