Eddie Martin Jr. wins 4,000th race

Jockey Eddie Martin Jr. hit 4,000 Thoroughbred wins in North America on Wednesday night, when Spinning Pegasus won a photo in the ninth race at Retama Park.

Spinning Pegasus set the pace in the 5 1/2-furlong allowance and held for a neck victory. He paid $9.80. In the winner’s circle, Martin was joined by a number of his fellow riders as well as racing officials. A sign marked the occasion.

Martin was aboard Spinning Pegasus for End Zone Athletics and trainer Karl Broberg.

Martin won the first race of his career on Oct. 24, 1980 at Delta Downs according to Daily Racing Form records. Highlights of his career include a 109-1 upset of the 2012 Louisiana Derby with Hero of Order, and wins in the 1999 New Orleans Handicap with Precocity, the 2001 Fair Grounds Oaks aboard Real Cozzy, and the 2004 Falls City at Churchill Downs with Halory Leigh.

Other graded stakes wins for the Louisiana native have come aboard Victor Cooley, Balto Star, She Says It Best, and Runway Model.

Martin is the leading rider at Retama and is planning to ride at the Remington Park meet, according to his agent, Matt Siciliano. Remington opens Aug. 24.