(from Laurel Park)
Jockey Jonathan Joyce, who had not visited the winner's circle at Laurel Park in more than a month, had a stellar day on Feb. 18 when he won a career-best five races.
The 24-year-old won four races as an apprentice rider at Philadelphia Park in July 2005.
Joyce completed the personal milestone aboard multiple stakes winner All Giving ($4.80) in the eighth race, a $40,000 allowance test for trainer Flint Stites. The Maryland-bred mare is now 10-for-28 for earnings of nearly $350,000.
“Incredible,” Joyce said. “It is an indescribable feeling and to reach the mark on a quality mare like that makes it even more special. I worked hard to get on her and Flint has been more than willing to give me the opportunity by riding her here, in Philly, at Mountaineer and The Meadowlands. I am nearly at a loss for words.”
Joyce took the first three races on the card aboard A Greater Affair ($5) in the first, Home Run Star ($5.60) in the second and Punchintina ($7.40) in the third. He also reached the winners’ circle with Dr Stick ($20.20) in the fifth race.
“It looked like all the horses were in good spots so I just let them do what they had to do,” said Joyce, who has been in the Maryland jockey colony since the fall of 2005. “I work every morning and do the best to get on what we can get on. Days like this don’t hurt, that’s for sure. I am grateful -- they don’t happen too often.”
Joyce had just three wins with 12 second place finishes and eight third place finishes from 47 mounts during the winter meeting entering the afternoon. His last previous victory at Laurel came on Jan. 15.