Jockey Luis Saez notches 2,000th win

Luis Saez recorded his 2,000th career win by riding Y’allcomenow to victory in Friday's fourth race at Aqueduct.

Saez, 26, has long ranked among the top jockeys in Florida and New York, his principal bases, since arriving in the U.S. from his native Panama in 2009. His initial success came at Calder Race Course, where his achievements as a new rider resulted in him finishing second in Eclipse Award voting for champion apprentice.

Now a successful journeyman, he topped the standings during each of the past two winter championship meets at Gulfstream Park, setting a record in 2017-2018 by winning 133 races there. He has recorded seven-win days twice this year at Gulfstream.

Among his accomplishments are 10 Grade 1 victories, the first of which came aboard Will Take Charge for trainer D. Wayne Lukas in the 2013 Travers at Saratoga. Another notable victory came this year when he won the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby aboard Magnum Moon.

Saez comes from a family of jockeys. One of his brothers, Sebastian, rides in Florida, while another, Juan, tragically died from head trauma caused by a spill when riding at Indiana Grand as a 17-year-old apprentice in October 2014.

Saez ranks seventh in North America by purse earnings this year, with his mounts having made more than $15.3 million. Over his career, his rides have made more than $94 million.

In recording his 2,000th victory Friday, coming on the Bruce Brown-trained Y’allcomenow in a maiden race going a mile on turf, Saez exhibited traits that have made him a highly successful jockey. He settled his mount off an eager speed horse, and later strongly urged her forward for a three-quarter-length victory. Y’allcomenow paid $34.20.

"I’ve been learning every day and working hard and trying to do my best," Saez said. "When I first came here [to New York], I didn’t have the experience. But I’ve tried to develop. It’s very special to do it here. It has the best horses, the best riders and the best trainers."

Shortly after the race, members of the New York riding colony joined Saez in the winner’s circle in a brief ceremony honoring his achievement.