Jockey Jozbin Santana notched the 1,000th victory of his career July 8 when he guided Clocker Bob to a four-length win for trainer James DiVito in the seventh race at Arlington Park.
Santana, known as "J.Z" around the Arlington backstretch, capped a three-win day to reach the milestone. He picked up win No. 998 aboard odds-on favorite Third Chance, also trained by DiVito, in the first race, and tallied No. 999 astride 22-1 shot Hot Kitten in the sixth race for trainer Michele Boyce.
He rode Clocker Bob to a front-running victory at odds of 3-1 for owners DiVito, Vince Swartz, and Joe Paglini. Clocker Bob, a 3-year-old Kentucky-bred gelding by Bandini, completed the $25,000 maiden claiming race at six furlongs in 1:13.61 over the Polytrack.
Santana was joined in the winner’s circle by agent Penny Ffitch-Heyes, Arlington officials, and his fellow riders as a video played saluting the milestone score as well as highlights of his career since coming to Chicago to ride last year.
“I’m very happy and I want to give all the glory to God,” Santana said. “I thank everybody here in Chicago that has been treating me very good and giving me live mounts. I appreciate everything that everyone has done for me.”
A 32-year-old native of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, Santana just became the father of a baby girl named Joshinelli, who was born July 4. Currently leading the standings at Arlington, he also tied for top rider honors at Hawthorne Race Course this spring.