Miguel Angel Rivera Vargas (born July 8, 1943) is a former Puerto Rican jockey who competed between the 1960s and 1990s.
In additional Triple Crown races, Rivera's highest finish at the Kentucky Derby was sixth during 1977.
During the Filly Triple Crown in 1980, Rivera was third in the Mother Goose Stakes and second in the Coaching Club American Oaks.
During his career, Rivera won over 1,800 events between his races in Puerto Rico and the United States.
Rivera was born on July 8, 1943, in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, and lived there with his three siblings and parents.
[1] After his father's death, Rivera left school and was employed at racetracks alongside his brother.
After he could not find work at Lincoln Downs and Rockingham Park while in New Hampshire, Rivera started his jockey career during 1965 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
[2][1] During his racing career in the late 1960s, Rivera went back and forth between the United States and Puerto Rico.
[4] That year, Rivera had multiple suspensions while competing at Gulfstream and Garden State Park.
[19][20] That year, Rivera was 2nd during the 1980 edition of the Coaching Club American Oaks when it was part of the Filly Triple Crown during the 1980s.
[28] While he was a trainer, Rivera had an event win in June 1988 before he resumed his racing career that year.
[35] Rivera and Cordero were selected as recipients of the St. John The Baptist Medal from Puerto Rico after the Triple Crown races in 1974.