Watch: Team O Besos Grateful For Second Chances And Help From Above

Exercise rider Margarito Fierro, survivor of colon cancer, gallops O Besos at Churchill Downs ahead of the Kentucky Derby

Exercise rider Margarito Fierro and jockey Marcelino Pedroza have trainer Greg Foley’s Kentucky Derby contender O Besos in common, of course, but there is more than that drawing the pair of riders together. In a video produced by Twinspires‘ Andrew Brown, both men reveal their personal struggles with cancer and how the relationship with horses helped them to overcome.

Fierro, a long-time employee for Foley, was diagnosed with Stage 2 colon cancer in 2016, and underwent surgery and several long months of recovery before returning to the racetrack. Eventually Fierro returned to galloping horses as well.

“That was a good therapy for me, to be around horses,” Fierro said. “After that, I never think I’d be able to gallop again, and I did. I still do it. I’m lucky to be alive. I’m very grateful, you know. I said, ‘Thanks God, for giving me this second chance in life, because some people, they don’t get it.”

Pedroza lost his mother to brain cancer two years ago, at the young age of 44.

“I’m glad that she doesn’t suffer any more, and that she’s in a better place,” said the jockey. “She told me, ‘Papi, life continues, you gotta keep going, you got kids and a wife that depends on you.”

He took those words to heart. The same day his mother passed away, Pedroza won a race at Indiana Grand. He believes she’ll be riding with him in the Kentucky Derby, celebrating his success.

Now, both Fierro and Pedroza will head to the first Saturday in May with big dreams. Both believe their big chestnut colt has a solid chance to wear the roses.

“My plan is to be in the Derby, and win it,” Pedroza summarized.

Check out the full video below:

The @Foley_Racing-trained O Besos moved into the top 20 in the @KentuckyDerby points standings over the weekend!

The whole Foley barn is excited, especially O Besos’ exercise rider, Margarito Fierro, and jockey @jockeypedrozajr.@TheBrownAndrew reports: #KyDerby pic.twitter.com/H2A2AuWTiD

— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) April 19, 2021