The Thoroughbred racing community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Brazilian jockey Leandro Henrique, who passed away during the early hours of Wednesday, August 19, at the age of 27, following injuries sustained in a racing accident at the Jockey Club Brasileiro in Rio de Janeiro.
Leandro had been hospitalized since Sunday, August 16, after suffering a fall during the second race on the day’s program at Hipódromo da Gávea. After receiving immediate medical attention on the track, he was transported to Hospital Miguel Couto before being transferred on Tuesday to Casa de Saúde São José, where he remained under intensive medical care until his passing.
His death represents an immeasurable loss for Brazilian racing and the international Thoroughbred community, cutting short the life of one of the sport’s brightest talents.
A Remarkable Career from an Early Age
Born in the northeastern Brazilian state of Pernambuco, Leandro Henrique discovered his passion for horses at just nine years old, beginning his journey at the Pony School in Recife. By the age of 14, he was already competing professionally at Hipódromo da Madalena, before making the move to Rio de Janeiro to pursue his dreams on Brazil’s biggest racing stage.
His rise was nothing short of extraordinary.
Leandro earned his first victory at Gávea Racecourse on June 7, 2015, aboard Urbanesco, representing Stud JIFE. Just two years later, at only 16 years old, he made history by winning the 2016-2017 Gávea jockey standings, becoming the only apprentice from the Jockey Club Brasileiro’s Professional Racing School ever to accomplish that feat.
Throughout his career, Leandro was guided by his longtime riding agent and trusted advisor, Danilo Aglio, whose support accompanied him from the very beginning of his professional journey.
A Champion on Racing’s Biggest Stages
Contracted by Haras Anderson, Leandro quickly established himself among Brazil’s elite riders.
His first Grade 1 triumph came aboard Emperor Roderic, representing Stud Pedudu, in the prestigious GP Cruzeiro do Sul – Derby Brasileiro (G1). That victory marked the beginning of an outstanding career filled with major stakes successes.
Among the many exceptional horses he partnered, Leandro often described London Moon as the finest mount of his career.
Together they captured an impressive list of elite races, including:
- ABCPCC Copa Precocidade e Velocidade
- GP Jockey Club Brasileiro (G1)
- GP Estado do Rio de Janeiro (G1)
- GP Presidente da República (G1)
Another milestone came in 2021, when aboard Casa Blanca, owned by Haras Santa Maria de Araras, Leandro recorded the 1,000th victory of his career by winning the GP Henrique de Toledo Lara (G2).
Most recently, after joining Haras Santa Maria de Araras, he celebrated another major victory aboard Passion Of Details, capturing the GP Margarida Polak Lara – Taça de Prata, the final major stakes triumph of his distinguished career.
A Dream Fulfilled in 2025
The year 2025 brought Leandro two of the greatest joys of his life.
Away from the racetrack, he became the proud father of Manoela, daughter of Leandro and trainer Victoria Mota.
On the racetrack, he achieved every Brazilian jockey’s ultimate dream by winning the prestigious Grande Prêmio Brasil (G1) aboard Sinsel, representing Stud Red Rafa. The victory in Brazil’s most prestigious race cemented his place among the country’s finest riders.
A Lasting Legacy
Although his life ended far too soon, Leandro Henrique leaves behind a remarkable legacy defined by exceptional talent, humility, determination, and passion for Thoroughbred racing.
His accomplishments inspired a new generation of Brazilian jockeys and demonstrated what dedication and perseverance can achieve.
Today, the Brazilian racing community—and the global Thoroughbred family—mourns not only the loss of an outstanding athlete, but also of a beloved son, partner, father, colleague, and friend.
Everyone at Agentes 305 extends our deepest condolences to Leandro Henrique’s family, his loved ones, his fellow horsemen and women, and the entire Brazilian racing community. May he rest in peace.
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