Jockey Ken Tohill Tops 3,000-Win Plateau

Ken Tohill became the 161st jockey to reach 3,000 North American victories when he guided favored Mag to a half-length triumph in the opening race at Prairie Meadows on the evening of July 13 (VIDEO).

One race later, Tohill completed a sweep of the daily double with a nose victory aboard Vow to Wager.

Tohill, who turned 50 on June 19, is a native of Pleasanton, Calif. He began his riding career in 1978, enjoying success in Northern California and later in New Mexico. He started riding at Prairie Meadows in 2010.

His milestone win came with a 3-year-old filly by Empire Maker   and trained by Chris Hartman for owner Joe K. Davis. Sent off as the 11-10 choice in the field of six, Mag was reserved early while racing last then rallied four wide into the stretch to win in a stiff drive. She completed the six furlongs on a fast track in 1:12.17.

Tohill won his 2,000th race at Sunland Park in New Mexico in January 2006.

He was fourth in last year's jockey standings at Prairie Meadows and is currently fifth this season with 36 wins.

For his career, Tohill has had 23,001 mounts through July 13, with 2,812 seconds and 2,859 thirds in addition to his 3,001 wins. His mounts have earned more than $43 million. His best year statistically came in 2005 when he collected 221 victories (27%) from 817 mounts and had purse earnings of $3,724,156.