Jockey Suraj Narredu, a native of India who reached the 1,000-career win milestone faster than any other rider in that nation’s history, rode his first winner in the United States at Arlington Park May 29.
The victory aboard Al Ali’s Invisible Star in the first race of the day at Arlington Park came in Narredu's third American mount.
“It is amazing, it’s like a dream come true for me to come to this country and win a race at a major American track like Arlington,” said Narredu, who was joined by his wife, Riya, moments after the victory. “This is a big moment for me, for my family, and for the whole country of India.”
Narredu, 26, arrived in Chicago following a 16-hour flight from Dehli on May 12. He said he came to America to ride with the hope that he might enhance his reputation as a truly internationally-renowned jockey.
Last year, Narredu made his first international assignment a winning one by capturing the Festival International Kreol Cup during the "International Jockeys Weekend Challenge" on the island nation of Mauritius.
As part of the "Rising Stars" division, Narredu defeated top French riders Mickael Barrzalona and Maxine Guyon, British jockey Hailey Turner, and South African star Donavan Mansour.
