Cisco Torres collects 3,000th career win at Hawthorne
STICKNEY, Ill. -- Jockey Francisco Torres won his 3,000th race guiding Court’s Ruler to a nose victory in the third race Friday at Hawthorne.
Torres hasn’t ridden much in Chicago this year, and was at Hawthorne for one day between mounts at Indiana Grand on Thursday and Keeneland on Saturday, but it was fitting he scored wins 2,999 and 3,000 in Chicago. Torres, 46, was born in Mexico but was raised on the west side of Chicago and started his career riding in Chicago in 1986. He has been leading rider at Hawthorne, Arlington, and other tracks while riding throughout the Midwest.
Torres would have reached the milestone sooner but for injury and suspension: He has been taken out of action several times in his career by suspensions and other issues related to alcohol and drug use. But no one ever has questioned the talent of Torres, who is likeable and has seemingly stabilized his career during his 40s.
“I want to thank every single trainer that has helped me get to this milestone,” Torres said. “It’s been a wonderful journey, and how great it is to come back here where I started and win my 3000th.”