Mirco Demuro, a 46-year-old Italian jockey with a distinguished international career, has returned to race in California after decades of success primarily in Japan. Demuro first arrived in the U.S. as a 17-year-old apprentice in 1996, gaining early support from trainer Richard Mandella. Over the years, he became a major figure in Japanese racing, achieving over 1,300 wins, including prestigious Group 1 victories such as the Tokyo Yushun, Japan Cup, and the Dubai World Cup. Known for his skill on both turf and dirt, Demuro has also won major races across Europe and continues to compete globally.

Despite his lucrative and high-profile career in Japan, Demuro seeks new challenges and aims to win a Breeders’ Cup race, which motivates his return to the American racing scene for the 2025 summer meet at Del Mar. He joins a strong contingent of Italian jockeys and is already riding for top trainers, including Mandella and Bob Baffert. Demuro’s blend of international experience, fitness, and passion for the sport positions him well to make a significant impact in U.S. racing once again.