Charlie Marquez

2nd-Delaware, $39,420, Msw, 8-5, 2yo, 5 1/2f, 1:04.27, ft, 8 lengths. DEFEND (c, 2, American Freedom--Fabiana's Flash, by City Zip) became the sixth winner for his first-crop sire (by Pulpit) with a highly impressive debut romp. Sent off right at his morning line of 4-1, the April foal set the pace from favored Mr. Cunningham (Creative Cause), getting the opening quarter mile in a controlled :22.61. Racing well in hand and going extremely well on the turn, Defend came a bit wide into the lane, but was shaken up under...

Hall of Fame rider Angel Cordero, Jr., who currently represents Manny Franco, regular pilot of GI Belmont S. and GI Travers S. winner Tiz the Law (Constitution), is adding Maryland's leading apprentice, Charlie Marquez, to his team. Marquez, age 17, rides with a five-pound weight allowance and was the third-leading rider at Laurel Park's summer meet, which wrapped up Saturday. "There's nothing like Laurel," said Marquez. "I love all the people. The environment's great, the horses are great. I just wanted to try something new in my career. I always...

As racing nationwide grinds to a halt in many jurisdictions, the focus--rightfully so--has been on the lifelong racetrackers who have had their Thoroughbred livelihoods upended by the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus. But what about the up-and-comers who are just now breaking into the sport? Their perspectives are unique and important, too. Take apprentice jockeys. When the game is going full-tilt, hardly a week goes by without news that a "bug" rider has achieved a maiden-breaking victory, complete with the ritualistic dousing of water, eggs, shaving cream, talcum powder,...

Charlie Marquez rode the first winner of his career with Sierra Leona (Point Given)'s 3/4-length victory at Laurel Park Thursday. It was the eighth career mount for the 16-year-old, who rode his first race Jan. 1 at Laurel. "It feels amazing. I'm only 16; it's a lot to digest," Marquez said. "But I'm glad I'm here and I'm thankful for all the opportunities been given to me. This means so much to me." From Columbia, Maryland, Marquez is the son of 52-year-old Carlos Marquez, Jr., a multiple graded-stakes winner of...