For nearly nine decades, jockeys have been riding horses at Del Mar. Most have been natives of the United States or Mexico, with a few from Europe or South America. Most have been men, with only a handful of women. Some long-time champions, others green and just looking to make a name for themselves. Each has a story about how they ended up at the Seaside Oval. But few required more grit, perseverance, and sheer will to chase a dream quite like the story of Sofia Barandela.

Born in Mexico City to a Spanish father, Barandela grew up around horses from her earliest steps. Her grandfather, a horse owner, often told her stories of jockeys and racehorses but insisted that such a life was not meant for women. Though she did not pursue jockeying as a child, she immersed herself in other equestrian disciplines – show jumping, charrería (traditional Mexican horsemanship), and dressage – each deepening her bond with horses in its own way.

Even while she explored different equestrian paths, Barandela felt something was missing. The echo of her grandfather’s words still lingered, and despite the feelings in her heart, she did not yet venture into the pursuit of life as a jockey. As she grew older, she began studying animal medicine, which eventually led her to Germany, where she worked with show jumpers and dressage horses. She described that period as a “vet’s dream,” surrounded by world-class animals and professionals. Despite her success in Europe, when Barandela found out she was pregnant, she returned home to Mexico. For a while, life was full and steady, centered around her child and family. But when tragedy struck and her young child unexpectedly passed due to an infection, everything changed. The loss shattered her sense of purpose and left her adrift, unsure where to turn next.

After her loss, Sofia felt hollow, moving through life without purpose. Eventually, she began riding again, and when she did, something inside her came alive. Throughout the years, she had often thought about becoming a jockey, but it was this personal tragedy that finally gave her the courage to take the leap.

She earned her first mounts in her native Mexico, where she obtained her professional jockey license. From there, she traveled to Spain, hoping to balance careers as both a jockey and a veterinarian, but financial issues forced the track to close before she could ride. She then moved on to France, where another opportunity failed to materialize. For a while, she bounced around Europe, galloping horses but never getting the chance to compete in races. That looked like it would finally change when she received a call from Jonathan Hernandez, offering an opportunity in the United States that she couldn’t pass up.

In 2016, Barandela traveled to Phoenix but once again faced hardship when the steward at the track refused to grant her a license. She returned to Southern California, then back to Europe, still chasing a dream that seemed just out of reach. It would not be until five years later, in 2021, when another chance phone call from an old associate in Phoenix would truly change everything. That friend, now working as a jockey agent in Wyoming, offered her the opportunity she had been waiting for – and this time it came to fruition.

Barandela arrived in Wyoming near the end of the meet and rode there for two weeks before traveling to Colorado. It was there that she picked up her first win as a professional jockey in the United States aboard a horse named Intimidating. After years of wondering if her dream would ever come true, she was finally living it. The next day, she rode another winner, but it wasn’t until that night, after her second victory, that she realized what it truly felt like to be at peace.

From there, she connected with jockey agent Chuck Costanzo, and that’s when things really began to take off. She rode at Fair Grounds in Louisiana, where she narrowly missed the title of leading apprentice. She then went on to Lone Star Park in Texas, where she earned that title, and later rode successfully at Canterbury Park in Minnesota.

Barandela’s journey also inspired her boyfriend, Serafin Carmona, to chase his own jockey dreams. The two began traveling and riding together at different meets throughout the Midwest. After a few years there, they decided to return to the West Coast and take on the daunting challenge of the Southern California racing circuit.

Barandela admits that competing on the Southern California circuit has been challenging. The opportunities have not been as plentiful as they were at Fair Grounds, Remington, or other tracks where she found success. Still, she remains determined. “I’m not a female jockey, I’m a jockey,” she said – a statement that captures her focus and conviction. She has refused to let doubters or naysayers deter her and continues to stay steadfast in the pursuit of her goals.

When asked what she would say to someone inspired by her story, Barandela’s message was simple: “Never forget that you are good enough.” She admits that even for her, holding on to that belief has not always been easy, but over time her confidence has grown along with her success.

When asked about her goals moving forward in her career, Barandela said that, like most jockeys, she dreams of one day riding in the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders’ Cup. At the top of her list, though, is earning a win at Del Mar after several close second- and third-place finishes, along with capturing her first stakes victory. She also hopes to ride internationally in places such as Puerto Rico, Japan, and Dubai.

When asked about her riding style, Barandela said her strength is getting to the front, especially in dirt races. Although she did not grow up riding on the turf in Mexico, she became comfortable with it during her time galloping in Europe. As for her inspiration, she named the legendary Laffit Pincay Jr., citing his discipline with diet, exercise, and overall fitness. At the same time, she remains humble and open to advice from any of the jockeys she rides alongside on the circuit.

Through her success as a professional jockey in America, Barandela has also paved the way for others and become an inspiration to female riders. Jockey Amanda Poston told her that she wouldn’t be riding if it weren’t for Barandela. Poston, a former software engineer, said she first learned about Barandela’s journey through an article, and it made her realize that a career like this was possible for someone like herself too.

When asked whether her education and veterinary background helped her as a jockey, Barandela said she believed it did. Having a deeper understanding of horses, she explained, gives her valuable perspective, but she added that she certainly does not rely on that knowledge when she’s in the saddle.

Barandela also spoke about the attention that comes with being a jockey – for herself and her fellow riders. She said that while she welcomes the spotlight, she hopes to use it as a force for good. In the future, she wants to support causes that help animal welfare or retired racehorses, driven by a simple desire to leave the world a better place than she found it – inside racing and out.

As Barandela reflects on the bigger picture and the legacy she hopes to leave, racing and achieving success in her dream job remain at the forefront of her mind. She has already come so far and overcome so many obstacles to reach this point, and she has no intention of stopping now. Wherever her career takes her, she will go with her head held high, knowing how hard she has had to fight to get here. No one can say where her journey will ultimately lead, but one thing is certain – she has carved her own path. Her story stands as a testament to what makes horse racing so special: that with hard work, perseverance, and belief in a dream, there is no limit to how far you can go.