Jockey Borel Joins 4,000-Win Club

Edited from Oaklawn Park release
Jockey Calvin Borel made racing history when he rode his 4,000th career winner at Oaklawn Park Wednesday.

Borel, a 38-year-old native of Martinsville, La., became the 45th North American rider and 20th active rider to reach the 4,000 milestone when he guided Jet Angel, a first-time starter trained by Randy Morse, to a neck victory in the third race, a six-furlong dash for Arkansas-bred maiden fillies and mares.

Jet Angel, who rallied up the rail in typical Borel style to make the lead leaving the quarter-pole, held on by a neck over Thisisyourday as the $9.60 second choice. When Jet Angel's number was posted on the tote board, the crowd cheered.

"Coming to the wire," Borel said following a winner's circle celebration, "I thought I had the other horse, but I was glad to see the wire. I just want to thank my father; my sister-in-law (Oaklawn placing judge Debbie Borel); my brother (trainer Cecil Borel), my fiancé Elisa, and the great guys I ride with every day."

According to Equibase figures, Borel, through Wednesday's third race, has ridden 4,000 winners from 26,868 mounts, with 3,631 seconds, and 3,116 thirds. His mounts have earned $72 million.

Borel, a two-time Oaklawn riding champion, also rode his 3,000th winner at Oaklawn Park. That came aboard the Sonny Wigginton-trained Sunday Lil (also in race three) on March 25, 1999.

Borel, who rides mostly the Kentucky-Arkansas-Louisiana circuit, has scored several of his biggest wins at Hot Springs. He won the 1993 Arkansas Derby on Rockamundo at $218; the 2000 Oaklawn Handicap on K One King, and two runnings of the Apple Blossom Handicap -- on Halo America in 1997, and Gourmet Girl in 2001.

In addition to his two Oaklawn titles -- in "95 and '01 -- Borel has been leading rider at Churchill Downs, Turfway Park, Louisiana Downs, Delta Downs, Ellis Park and Evangeline Downs.