Like many kids growing up around horses, Joe Bealmear had visions of being of jockey. But his vision was specific: He wanted to ride races at Keeneland. On Wednesday, Bealmear’s dream came true when he finished second aboard Andrew Ritter’s first-time starter Tuxedo Parkin Race 2. 

Bealmear, 19, is the son of former jockeys Laura and Ben Bealmear, who both rode races at Keeneland during their careers. His mother won four races from 98 career mounts as Laura Loveland from 1980-1984 before transitioning to training. His father had 66 wins in 623 races from 1979-1982 before becoming a veterinarian. 

Growing up in the Lexington area, Joe Bealmear spent much of his time at Keeneland. 

“My first job at the race track was galloping horses here,” he said. “I spent years with the people on the backstretch at Keeneland. So it is just so awesome for it all to pay off and finally get to ride a race.”

Bealmear, who began his riding career last November at Turfway Park, has 16 wins – all at Oaklawn Park. He plans to divide his time between Oaklawn and Keeneland and then continue his career at Churchill Downs and Horseshoe Indianapolis.

His parents were at Keeneland for his local debut. In a field of a dozen 2-year-olds racing 4½ furlongs on a sloppy track, Tuxedo Park and Bealmear were quickly away from the 7 post and raced just behind the leaders in the early stages. They were second in midstretch but were unable to catch the front-running Raise the Bar, who cruised to a 2¼-length victory. 

“It was awesome,” Bealmear said about the performance. “I felt so familiar with the track. And for the horse to run that good for me was really special. He is a great horse from (trainer) Paul McEntee’s great team. I am thankful to be here and be a part of it.”