Maker Establishes a Churchill Win Record

(Edited press release)

Trainer Mike Maker established a Churchill Downs fall meet record for victories Nov. 19 when One Eyed Joker won the eighth race. His victory gave Maker his 21st triumph of the season.

Maker, 39, broke the record with his 54th starter of the 26-day meet that runs through Nov. 29. The previous record was established in 2003 when Dale Romans saddled 20 winners from 78 starters during a 27-day meet.

A former assistant to Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, Maker opened his own stable in 2003. He has never won a Churchill Downs training title. After 18 days of the current meet, Maker owns a nine-victory advantage over his closest pursuer, Ken McPeek.

One Eyed Joker, a 2 ½-length winner over Stratostar, gave owners Ken and Sarah Ramsey their 17th victory of the meet, extending their fall meet record total.

Jockey Robby Albarado won four races during the 10-race card to narrow the gap, 40-31, between he and leading rider, Julien Leparoux. Leparoux had a riding double.