However, the hard-riding, fiery-tempered Ycaza was frequently in trouble with racing officials and despite his unquestioned ability, after major suspensions many owners and trainers were reluctant to hire him.

In 1962, Sports Illustrated magazine published an article about the "Spanish invasion" of American Thoroughbred horse racing led by Ycaza.

In the American Classic Races, Ycaza was second aboard Ridan in the 1962 Preakness Stakes,[3][4] and in 1963 earned a second-place finish on Never Bend in the Kentucky Derby.

Hired by prominent Canadian owner/breeder E. P. Taylor to ride for his Windfields Farm in the 1963 Queen's Plate, Ycaza won Canada's most prestigious race aboard the colt, Canebora.

A resident of Forest Hills, Queens, Ycaza was a longtime Major League Baseball fan and often attended New York Mets home games.