By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher
Horse jockey Miguel Men’s has passed away. He was 34.
An official cause of death has not been announced yet. However, reports suggest that he was struck and killed by a vehicle in Louisville, Kentucky.
For an unknown reason, Mena was walking on the interstate around 7:30 pm, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s office. His death has been ruled as accidental, reports said.
“This news is absolutely shocking, terrible, and heartbreaking,” Churchill Downs president Mike Anderson said. “Our team is devastated to learn of Miguel’s passing. He was such a courageous rider, who fought to overcome several challenges and adversity. We’ll miss his bright smile.
“Our deepest condolences are extended to his many friends, fellow riders, and family, and our immediate thoughts are with his wife April and his daughters Naelah and Montserra.”
Mena came from a horse racing family. He was born in Peru. His father José is a retired jockey.
In his horse racing career before his death, he had 2,079 wins. Some of his significant wins included the West Virginia Governor’s Stakes, Louisiana Derby, Chicago Handicap, Hal’s Hope Stakes, and more.
He received the leading rider award at Ellis Park in 2006. One year later, he received the leading rider award at Presque Isle Downs.
Mena completed in two Kentucky Derby’s. He rode significant horses in Backtalk, Champagne d’Oro, Pool Play, and Uncaptured.
