Jockey James Graham visited the winner's circle five times at Arlington International Racecourse Aug. 9.
Graham's victories on the card were Gary Biszantz's Helen Kathleen ($7.40) for trainer Mike Stidham in the third race (VIDEO); Gary Tussey's Dream Commander ($8) for trainer Chris Dorris in the fourth (VIDEO); Edward Seltzer and Beverly Anderson's Sparkling Review ($10.80) in the sixth (VIDEO); and consecutive winners for trainer Richie Scherer with Holmark Stables' Bourbon Cowboy ($3.80) in the seventh (VIDEO), and Al and Bill Ulweilling's Slip Kid ($15.60) in the eighth (VIDEO). An all-Graham Pick 3 covering races six through eight paid $71.10.
"Everyday is a good day as long as we can walk home," said the soft-spoken Irish-born Graham, who was quick to play down the accomplishment. "Every race is different. Every horse is different. Today is my day. Today is the horse's day. I'm just glad to be a part of it."
The five Saturday winners—almost exactly a year since his last Arlington five-bagger on Aug. 18, 2013—pushed his meet total to 64 and vaulted Graham into first place in the Arlington jockey standings. He is three wins in front of Florent Geroux.
It was, however, not Graham's best day at Arlington; in 2007 the rider booted home six winners on card.