By far the most popular sport in the Latin American community today, is soccer. But with the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby coming up this weekend, (May, 3) it can't be ignored what's going on at most popular horse racing event in the world. Latin American jockeys are dominating the Kentucky Derby in the 21st century.

Since 2001, seven of the 13 Kentucky Derby winning jockeys are Latin American.

Horse racing isn't a sport that is usually very much affiliated with Latin America, however horse population has been increasing in South American countries and Mexico. Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Columbia now have the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th highest horse population in the world. More horses obviously create more of an opportunity to ride and compete. In recent history it has shown. The Kentucky Derby is the oldest tenured sporting event in the United States dating back to 1875.

Latin American born Kentucky Derby winners of the 21st century include:

2013: Joel Rosario (Dominican Republic)

2012: Mario Gutierrez (Mexico)

2011: John Velazquez (Puerto Rico)

2006: Edgar Prado (Peru)

2003: José Santos (Chile)

2002: Victor Espinoza (Mexico)

2001: Jorge Chavez (Cuba)

That's quite an impressive list. What stands out on this list is not just the amount of winning Latino jockeys, but the geographical diversity. Seven different jockeys from six different Latin American areas, with only Mexico having multiple winners featured in the 21st century. Currently, the last three winners of the Kentucky Derby are Latin-born, including present champion Joel Rasario.

The Latino community hasn't just made their presence known at the Kentucky Derby, but the Preakness and Belmont as well.

Three of the last four Preakness Stakes winners are Latin American. These winners include Mario Gutierrez of Mexico (who also won the Kentucky Derby), Martin Garcia of Mexico, and Jesus Castanon, who is also Mexico-born. Horse racing's third major racing event, the Belmont Stakes, has also had huge success from Latinos. John Velazquez was victorious in 2007 and 2012, Jose Valdivia won in 2011, and Alan Garcia of Peru, won the Belmont in 2008

Joel Rosario, won last year's Derby and will be watched by many. He is currently ranked No. 3 in the world horse racing rankings. Peurto Rican born jockey, John Velazquez has earned the most money and is the odds on favorite to win this year. He is also a member of the National Museum Racing Hall of Fame. This Saturday, Velazquez looks to regain his throne at the Kentucky Derby. To find tickets for the event, check out Stub Hub.