Hebert boots home 4,000th winner

Jockey Tracy Hebert reached a milestone of 4,000 Thoroughbred wins in North America on Tuesday, when he guided Rational Decision to a 4 1/4-length victory in the fourth race at Zia Park in Hobbs, N.M.

Hebert, 54, is a native of Erath, La., the same hometown as Randy Romero, Shane Sellers, and Curt Bourque. Hebert’s first career win came at 16, at Evangeline Downs in 1979. He was aboard for his uncle and mentor, trainer Doris Hebert. Tracy Hebert's mounts have since earned more than $54 million.

Rational Decision ($8) jumped out to the lead under Hebert on Tuesday and never relinquished it, setting the pace in the $10,000 conditioned-claiming sprint for New Mexico-bred fillies and mares, then finishing up five and a half furlongs in 1:05.93. Hebert was aboard for Judy and Kirk Robison and trainer Henry Dominguez.

Following the milestone victory, Hebert was greeted in the winner’s circle by his fellow riders at Zia and presented with a sign celebrating No. 4,000.

Hebert won last year’s Zia title in a tie with Jorge Carreno. Hebert also has collected titles at Arapahoe Park, Delta Downs, Evangeline, the now-shuttered Jefferson Downs, Thistledown, and Turfway. His top wins include such Grade 3 races as the Fort Harrod at Keeneland with First and Only in 1994; the Arlington Park Oaks with Niner’s Home in 1995; and the Texas Mile at Lone Star Park with Silent Pleasure in 2007.

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