Juan Gutierrez sets mark for career jockey wins at Emerald Downs

Juan Gutierrez became the all-time leading rider at Emerald Downs Wednesday.

He went into Wednesday’s nine-race card with 1,418 wins at Emerald, one behind Gallyn Mitchell. He tied Mitchell when he won the second race aboard Mike Operator and made history with his win aboard Stay in Grace in the eighth race.

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Gutierrez, who has 2,031 wins in his career, was all smiles in the winner’s circle following his record-setting win.

“You know, I was excited the last eighth of a mile when I was pretty sure we would get there,” he said. “This is a great record because it has taken a long time to get there.”

Gutierrez won his first race at Emerald on April 29, 2000. A gem of consistency, in one stretch he finished in the top five in the rider standings 15 years in a row. He was the leading rider at Emerald in 2012 and has been second in the standings four times. He also sits second in the standings behind Alex Cruz at the current meet.

Gutierrez leads the all-time list in money won with $15,247,996 and ranks third in stakes victories with 58. He has won the Grade 3 Longacres Mile, the most prestigious race at Emerald, three times. His latest win in the Mile came aboard Anothertwistafate this year.

Gutierrez was inducted into the Washington Racing Hall of Fame in 2018. There will be a ceremony honoring him in the winner’s circle before the first race Thursday.