Joel Rosario, the Dominican Republic native who began riding in the United States in 2007, registered his 1,000th career victory Feb. 17 aboard 7-5 favorite Coo Cachoo in the seventh race at Santa Anita Park (VIDEO).
The 4-year-old colt had won by 4 1/2 lengths under Rosario when claimed for $20,000 by trainer Julio Canani on behalf of Charles I. Gold on Jan. 16. Rosario again took Coo Cachoo wire-to-wire for the repeat in the $58,000 optional claimer at one mile while racing for a $40,000 claiming tag.
The win was Rosario’s 42nd of the Santa Anita meet and moved him four behind leading rider Rafael Bejarano. The two have separated themselves from the remaining riders in the Santa Anita jockeys’ standings.
Rosario, 26, is bidding for his first Santa Anita riding title after having led the standings three times at Hollywood Park and twice at Del Mar.
With over $2 million in purse earnings so far this year, Rosario is the national leader. His nine stakes victories at Santa Anita lead the meet.
The popular young rider is looking forward to a lengthy career. “I hope I can get to 4,000, 5,000 or 6,000 wins,” he said. “You never know.”