Obituary of Sandino Hernandez

The life story of Sandino Hernandez began on April, 5, 1938 in Santiago, Panama. He was the last born of 14 children. He grew up on a farm where his love for horses was born. At 4'11" tall he was also born to become a thoroughbred racehorse jockey which would lead his life to many places. His career began at the age of 16 years old riding at the Hipódromo Presidente Ramón in Panama City, Panama. At the age of 19 years old his career in racing brought him to ride in the United States and traveling to racetracks across the country. He primarily rode and settled in Queens, New York where he lived with his family. Retiring as a jockey in the early 1980's, he made the transition to training horses for the rest of his career. Finally calling Elmont, New York home he raced horses on the New York Horse Racing Circuit at Belmont Park, Aqueduct Racetrack and Saratoga Racetrack. After a life filled with family and horses, he was called to heaven on Tuesday, December 8, 2015. At 77 years old, he peacefully passed surrounded with the love of family in Pembroke Pines, Florida. He is lovingly survived by his children Michael, Laurie, Elizabeth, Sandino, Teresa, Liza and his grandchildren. He is predeceased by his son, Alex.