Ramon Dominguez rode four stakes winners Oct. 24 at rainy Belmont Park, including a three-quarters of a length victory by Haynesfield in the $250,000 Empire Classic.
The card featured five stakes for New York-bred horses, but it was the jockey from Venezuela who stole the show.
The victory on Haynesfield gave Dominguez a sweep of the final four stakes races on the card. He rode Driven by Success in the Hudson, Rightly So in the Iroquois, and Fenway Faithful in the Sleepy Hollow.
“It doesn't get any better. I'm very excited," Dominguez said. “It's special, especially being my first year riding year-round here. It's a very special day here in New York and to be able to win four races is a great feeling.”
The win aboard Haynesfield capped the memorable afternoon. Trained by Steve Asmussen, Haynesfield took charge early and held off a late run from Ruffino. The time was 1:50.76 for the 1 1/8 miles. Haynesfield, a 3-year-old, improved to 5-for-8 with a victory that paid $11.
