Apprentice Erik Asmussen takes Lone Star riding title

Apprentice jockey Erik Asmussen won the riding title at the Lone Star Park meet that closed on Sunday. He had a four-win day Saturday that included three stakes victories on the Stars of Texas Day program of five stakes races.

Asmussen won a total of 48 races to secure his first title over Harry Hernandez, who won 36 races.

Asmussen is scheduled to ride the next five weeks at Ellis Park, said Travis Church, the agent who represented the rider at Lone Star. Church also represents third leading rider, Rene Diaz, who he said will be based next at the Remington meet that opens Aug. 16.

Asmussen is the son of Hall of Fame horseman Steve Asmussen, who won the training title at Lone Star and tied for the track’s owner title with End Zone Athletics.

◗ There were 105 claims at the 41-date Lone Star meet for total receipts of $1,298,000, according to statistics from the track.

◗ Lone Star averaged 8.1 starters a race over 360 races. Favorites won 141 races (39 percent).

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