Espinoza wins first six at Del Mar

DEL MAR, Calif. - Jockey Victor Espinoza equaled a Del Mar record by winning the first six races on Monday, giving him seven straight victories at the track. He also won the final race on Sunday.

Espinoza thus tied the record for wins in a day, which was set by Bill Shoemaker on Sept. 4, 1954. Shoemaker also won six straight races that day, according to Del Mar officials. Shoemaker also won the first race the next day there was racing, on Sept. 6, 1954 to give him seven straight wins, too.

Espinoza still had mounts on the final four races Monday, including Point Ashley in the featured Del Mar Debutante.

On Monday, Espinoza's winners included Spot the Diplomat in the I'm Smokin Stakes, and Preachinatthebar in the Windy Sands Handicap. Three of his first six winners were the favorite.