Each month we’ll take a trip to the backstretch and visit with a different jockey or trainer. For the inaugural issue, the focus is on Aqueduct’s current leading rider, Ramon Dominguez. This Venezuelan-born jockey was also the leading pilot on Aqueduct’s main track in 2007 with 24 wins. Dominguez, 31, led the entire nation in wins in 2001 and 2003. He bagged his first Breeders’ Cup win in 2004 with Better Talk Now. Dominguez came to the United States in 1995 and began riding at Hialeah in 1996.

Ramon Dominguez makes his residence in Maryland with his wife Sharon, and their two sons, Alex, 3, and Matthew, 2.

Q: How did you first get involved with horses?

My father ran a betting facility when I was growing up in Venezuela. At the age of 13 I started helping him at work and got the chance to see a live race. From that point on I knew that I wanted to become a jockey. My father wasn’t too keen on the idea, as he was hoping I would go to school and become a doctor. But I persevered and started going to the training center when I was 16, and he became much more supportive.

Q: Who were your heroes growing up?

Douglas Valiente and Angel Parra were two Venezuelan riders who I really admired. They both were very influential and helped me learn to become a better rider.

Q: How hard was your decision to come to the United States?

It wasn’t that hard. I was doing well as a bug rider in Venezuela and felt that I had nothing to lose. Riding in the United States had always been a dream of mine. At the time I wouldn’t have been too upset if I wasn’t able to come here, but now I can’t even imagine not making the move. The hardest part was leaving family behind in Venezuela.

Q: Do you remember your first win?

My first win was on Solo Moondance at Hialeah in March 1996. It was an unbelievable experience and will always be one of the highlights of my career. Not only had I made it to America, but I won a race! I realized it was the beginning of something really good.

Q: How did you make the decisions to move from Florida to Maryland, and then from Maryland to New York.

My second year at Florida in 1997, business began to pick up and I was really happy. So when my agent Steve Paras suggested we move to the Maryland circuit I wasn’t thrilled with the idea. But Steve talked me into going against my will, and it turned out very well.

Three years ago I acquired a new jockey agent in Steve Rushing. He suggested that we move our tack to either Florida or New York. Since I already had some business established in New York, that was the decision we settled upon. It has been great so far, and I have enjoyed it immensely.

Q: What did it feel like getting your first Breeders’ Cup victory with Better Talk Now in 2004?

That was the most unbelievable feeling I’ve had in this sport! I rode three horses that day. The first one ran fifth and I was thrilled. That result made me feel as if I had already accomplished something. The second horse ran third and I felt like I had won! It was thrilling. Going into the Turf, Better Talk Now was a long shot but I knew he could win the race. And when we won, it was incredible! There was an inquiry, but that actually made it better. It extended the moment. Winning that race felt like it was too good to be true.

Q: How do you typically prepare to ride horses each day?

The first thing I do every day is handicap my races. I read the program and get an idea of what is going to happen when the gates open. It’s all about trying to get a feeling for the race before I go out there. In terms of physical preparation, I usually do a lot of running or spend some time in the hot box. I also do a lot of stretching. The mental preparation is second nature to me now since I’ve been riding for a while. I am always focused and know what needs to be done.

Q: Is it difficult for you to stay under the required weight?

I don’t find it very difficult to stay under the required weight. I have excellent eating habits and take very good care of myself. So despite being tall for a jockey, I don’t really struggle to make weight.

Q: You’ve already won the national riding title and a Breeders’ Cup race. What are your next major goals?

I try to take it day-by-day and not set goals because I feel like that can set you up for disappointment. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to win a Triple Crown race, especially the Kentucky Derby. Any rider would feel the same way.

Q: You have already broken Eibar Coa’s record of 105 inner track wins at Aqueduct. Was breaking this record important to you?

It was great to break the record, as the last two years I have just fallen short of the riding title. Although I didn’t set the goal to become the leading rider and break records, I knew there was a good chance for these things to happen. I have support from my agent in addition to many great trainers and owners.

Q: What is your favorite part of being a jockey?

The best part is that every day brings something different. There are no guarantees and there is always uncertainty. However, that uncertainty can be very exciting. You prepare for a race and do everything in your power to do well, but there are always some surprises in store. Sure, the defeats are upsetting, but they prepare you to enjoy the victories even more.

Q: What are the major differences between riding horses on the turf and the dirt?

On the grass I am a firm believer that you must get your horse to relax. That is the key ingredient. On the dirt you can get away with setting rapid fractions. But on the grass you seldom see a horse go fast early and finish well. Another key on the turf is to save ground. Anything you can do to conserve energy for the stretch drive is crucial, especially on the turf. I also find that things happen on the turf very quickly, often in a split second. The jockeys that are able to really focus and concentrate are the ones that have the most success on the grass.

Q: If you could be a professional athlete in any other sport, which one would it be?

I love to run, so I might be a track athlete. I feel like I could be very competitive doing that. I wouldn’t be an extreme stamina runner. Probably the 3k races would be my best distance.

Q: What is the best advice you could give to a young person who wants to become a jockey?

You have to believe in yourself, that is the most important thing. Really for any career that is the best advice I could give to anyone. When I was in my early days as a jockey, people doubted me because I was tall or because I looked green on a horse. Many people told me I would never make it as a successful jockey. If I had listened to them and stopped pursuing my dream, I never would have made it.

Q: What are the most important traits for a successful jockey to have?

That is a very complicated question to answer. It is a combination of so many factors. The most important part of being a successful jockey is having good horses to ride. In order to achieve that, you really need a good racing outfit and jockey agent behind you. Also, believing in yourself and standing up for those beliefs is extremely important. There are patient riders who are successful and there are aggressive riders who are successful. There isn’t one set way to ride a horse. The key is to be disciplined and work very hard at your craft.