Rode Hard: The Rise and Fall of a Jockey Legend

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Once described by the term "rode hard and put away wet," jockey Herberto Hinojosa is not a household name by the likes of Mickey Mantle or Babe Ruth, but he was legend in the horse racing circuit as Latin jockeys were first being allowed in the game. Having won 3,334 races, and raced in over twenty-five thousand, the jockey had over one hundred confirmed stake race wins in his career. However, the young lad who was discovered from extremely humble beginnings rose to fame just as quickly as he fell, leaving a trail of stories that can only be described as unbelievable. Rode Hard is a wonderful tale about how Hinojosa succeeded, failed, and succeeded again in the horse racing world, and how he was able to survive despite the dangerous sport of kings. Ride along side Herb and uncover a facet of fascinating historical moments that led to the rise and fall of a jockey legend.

Across history, iconic acts of defiance like the Battles of the Alamo, Camarón, and Thermopylae, stand as symbols of bravery. In the face of insurmountable odds, a soldier's sacrifice holds profound significance. Juan Davis Bradburn, undaunted in adversity, emerged as a folk hero in México, fighting for his adopted country's early causes. His valorous deeds, recorded in the annals of Texas and México, are emblematic of military heroism. This narrative explores Bradburn's captivating journey as an American patriot intertwined with Mexico's quest for independence. It highlights his pivotal role in the tumultuous era of México's War for Independence and emphasizes his contributions to the birth of a free Republic of Mexico.