Jorge Chavez Rides Winner Number 4,000

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Jockey Jorge Chavez rode his 4,000th winner Jan. 21 when he guided Louis Siracusano's A Rizzi Reuben victory at Gulfstream in the fourth race of the day.

A Rizzi Reuben, a 4-year-old Florida-bred son of Rizzi trained by Danny Hurtak, was best by a length at the wire.

Chavez, 43, a native of Callao, Peru, had guided Peter Vegso's Snug Harbour to victory in the second race of the afternoon.

"I was trying to make the lead as quickly as I could, but I was a little slow and had a hard time getting to the front," Chavez said in the winner's circle after reaching the milestone. "I didn't believe there would be that much pressure, but the last few days I started getting worried. Now there is no more pressure. I expect to win my 5,000th in three or four years – maybe five."

Chavez, the nation's Eclipse Award-winning rider in 1999, becomes the 18th active jockey to ride at least 4,000 winners. A total of 42 riders, including those now retired or deceased, have accomplished the feat.

The highlight of Chavez's career to date was a victory aboard John C. Oxley's Monarchos   in the 2001 Kentucky Derby (gr. I).

(Chart, Equibase)

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