Dominguez wins 4,000th, and keeps on rolling

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - Sitting on 3,998 wins heading into the day, Ramon Dominguez wasted no time getting his 4,000th career victory, sweeping the first three races to reach and then surpass the milestone.

In reaching 4,000 wins, the 33-year-old Dominguez showcased his versatility and positional acumen.

Dominguez stole the opener in broad daylight with Persian Honey ($6), a 6-year-old mare he put on a clear lead through a dawdling first quarter for his 3,999th win.

In the second race, he brought Fortyninegeorgest. ($7.30) five wide into the stretch, and rallied from well off the pace to edge 7-5 choice Bold Vindication for No. 4,000.

The Dominguez double linking a pair of second choices returned $28.40.

Dominguez thus became the 58th jockey to achieve 4,000 wins.

"It feels great, but it's almost surreal," said Dominguez, who swept every New York Racing Association meet last year en route to winning 376 on the circuit - second only to Steve Cauthen's 433 as an apprentice in 1977.

"It's the kind of thing that happens slowly over the years, but you're not prepared for it when it gets here," he said. "I'm so excited. You remember the big races, but every win counts just as much. I have great support in New York and thanks to my agent [Steve Rushing] and everyone who supports me here."

Dominguez began the march to 5,000 in the third race on Rovic's Wealth ($5.20), who led throughout as No. 4,001.