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HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Calvin Borel became the 26th jockey in North American racing history to win 5,000 races when he guided Hezunusal to a four-length victory in Thursday’s sixth race at Oaklawn Park.
Borel, 47, is a three-time winner of the Kentucky Derby who last month was named one of 10 finalists on the 2013 ballot for the Hall of Fame. He also was the regular rider on 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra. Borel regularly winters in Arkansas, and in February 2005 registered the 4,000th win of his career at Oaklawn.
“I [never] dreamed of riding 5,000 races, much less winning 5,000 races,” Borel said Thursday. “We’ve won three Kentucky Derbies, a Preakness, did everything we wanted to accomplish. I wish my agent was here with me. I want to dedicate this race to Jerry Hissam.”
Hissam, who has been Borel’s agent for more than 20 years, has been in an out of the hospital the past month, fighting an infection in his pancreas. He recently returned home to Hot Springs after being hospitalized in Dallas. In his absence, Doc Danner has been booking mounts for Borel.
Hezunusal ($11.20) broke with the leaders from post 12 in the $15,000 maiden claiming sprint for Arkansas-breds and after dueling down the backside moved to the lead on the turn. The horse, a bald-faced runner making the second start of his career, was six lengths clear in the stretch. Borel was aboard for Horseplay LLC and trainer David Whited, a retired jockey who won 3,795 races as a rider.
Borel was surrounded by his fellow jockeys and others in the a winner’s circle for a presentation of a life-size trading card in his honor. Following the race, ontrack patrons were given commemorative trading cards provided by the City of Hot Springs. Borel dedicated the occasion to “all the good horses” he’d ridden, as well as supportive owners, trainers and fans.
Borel began riding match races in his native Louisiana at the age of 8. He would go on to win the 2007 Kentucky Derby with Street Sense, the 2009 running with Mine That Bird, and the 2010 edition with Super Saver. He also took the 2009 Kentucky Oaks and Preakness on Rachel Alexandra.
Borel’s first career win came at Delta Downs on Jan. 14, 1983. He lives in Louisville, Ky., with his wife, Lisa.
– additional reporting by Marty McGee
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now this is a guy who could write a best seller on the life of cajun jockey! congrats to you Calvin!
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Calvin, I am so very proud of you!!!
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Congratulations Boo, Boo!!! A hard working, hard riding fellow Louisiana man! It always brings back memories of the old Evangeline Downs.
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Best jockey in the world!
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He rode Halo America to her apple blossom championship, nuff said!!!
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Never much cared for this guy. Just something about him seems nasty. Always wanted to see someone else on Rachel Alexandra, but I guess that turned out all right, so I shouldn't complain.
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Not just cajon, john smith
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When I started out as an horse owner in the 80s in Louisiana, I sought out various trainers, including Cecil Borel, who had a good reputation as a horseman. I recall asking Cecil which jockeys he preferred to ride.. Without hesitation, he named his younger brother, Calvin "Boo" Borel. However, I was reluctant to commit to to a young jock who had little experience . Cecil's response was that his brother had to start somewhere and that he felt he had a lot of ability. I chose another trainer.. With that said....., may I be one of the first to congratulate Calvin on his special accomplishment. As an owner, I went on to win about 150 races.... Calvin outdid me with 5000 ! ...one of the all time great Cajun riders!
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Such classy guy and phenomenal rider
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Haters, go away, in a time when jocks, Nascar drivers and Hockey players are the only participants of sport that require two balls, show the respect!
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Best Bets
BIG JOHN B takes a short drop off the claim and layoff, which could be viewed as a negative, but he has some decent works for this return and he has a decent-sized Beyer edge against this group; tactical speed should help him work out a favorable trip. SKIFFS BREWMEISTER merits respect off that last win and figure, his best yet; dangerous if he's able to take another step forward. BRODY BOY finished off the board in his turf debut but he earned a decent figure despite running 7th there, and he did endure a fairly tough trip; most recent workout at Parx indicates he retains his form.
