Quinonez Notches 3,000th Win
Updated: Sunday, May 15, 2011 1:49 PM
Posted: Friday, May 13, 2011 12:05 PM
Photo: Coady Photography
Luis Quinonez
Jockey Luis Quinonez won the 3,000th race of his career Thursday, May 12 at Lone Star Park when Hit It Hard rolled to an 8 3/4-length victory in the seventh race.
“That was the way to do it,” said Quinonez, a 44-year-old native of Mexico who now resides in Jones, Okla. “Turning for home, I said I’m just going to keep opening up on them.”
Quinonez, who recalled his first career win aboard Duffels Dazzler on May 10, 1989 at Canterbury Downs in Minnesota, has ridden in more than 21,000 races while winning with 14% of his mounts.
“I’ve had so many good memories I just can’t pinpoint one,” Quinonez said. “However, a filly I really liked was Brownie Points. When she won the grade III Ouija Board here she ran awesome.
“When I was 18, I knew nothing about race riding but I was small enough to ride. I learned to ride on a farm and I worked hard and was dedicated. I really can’t believe I’ve been riding so long. I’ve been blessed.”
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