Jockey Don Lee Frazier Scores 2,000th Victory

Jockey Don Lee Frazier registered his 2,000th victory June 16 at Arapahoe Park aboard Fast But Furious in the first race at the Colorado track.

Frazier, 53, piloted the 2-year-old first-time starter to a 4 1/2-length win for trainer Justin Gleason in a five-furlong maiden special weight race. It was the first career win for Gleason as a trainer.

Fast and Furious, a gray/roan gelding by Grand Minstrel, was bred by owner Francis A. Heckendorf Jr. in Colorado

"It's a great accomplishment and not many riders have done it," Frazier said. "It's a highlight to reach the 2,000. The highlight of my career is to be able to ride some nice horses for some decent people and to bring thrills and be part of making their dreams come true."

Frazier began his career as a jockey in 1977 in Washington and has ridden in more than 20,000 races at what he says is "pretty much every racetrack west of the Mississippi and then some."  He said collecting his 2,000th victory was made even more special because it took place on Father's Day.

"They are my inspiration," Frazier said of his family. 

Frazier and his wife, Darcy, will celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary this fall. They have two sons, Thomas, a recent college graduate, and Ronald. Frazier currently rides in Colorado, Nebraska, and New Mexico but takes winters off to spend time with his family.

As one career reached a milestone, another got underway as Fast But Furious' trainer Justin Gleason collected his first career victory as a trainer.