Kendrick Carmouche joins 3,000-win club

Kendrick Carmouche, who ruled the roost at Parx for years before moving on to New York in 2015, returned to his old stomping grounds Tuesday and rode his 3,000th Thoroughbred winner.

Carmouche reached the milestone aboard Good Save in race 4, a restricted $12,500 claiming race. Good Save is trained by Kate DeMasi, for whom Carmouche has won 105 races over the years.

"Kate has supported me throughout my career," Carmouche said. "I am so happy she could be a part of this."

A man of God, and one of the most positive people you will meet, Carmouche was joined in the winner's enclosure by many members of the riding colony for a celebratory photo.

Following the photo, he turned to his fellow riders and delivered a short pep talk.

"I told them that in life, with a belief in God and with your loved ones around you, that if you work hard and believe in yourself you can all have the same success I have had." Carmouche said. "The young guys, in particular, need to hear that and realize that."

Carmouche came right back to win again in race 5.

It is only fitting Carmouche's milestone victory came at Parx, where he rode from 2001 to 2014. He now has 1,593 wins at the Bensalem, Pa., track and was inducted into the Parx Hall of Fame in 2015.

"To win my 3,000th at my home place, in front of everyone, was wonderful," he said. "I've done so much here in Philly. I'd like to thank everyone who stood behind me, and stuck with me, all these years - the fans, the trainers, the owners, everyone who made this possible."

Carmouche, 33, was born in Vinton, La., the home of Delta Downs. He rode his first career winner in 2000 at age 16 at Evangeline Downs, and the next year headed to Philadelphia Park, which in 2010 was rebranded as Parx. Carmouche was the winningest rider there from 2008 to 2011 and again in 2013. He also won two meet titles at the track when the year was divided up into seasons.

Carmouche, who has a reputation as a smart rider, transitioned to the New York Racing Association circuit in 2015 and has established himself as a mainstay in one of the country's most competitive jockey colonies. He is currently fourth in the Aqueduct fall meet standings to Irad Ortiz Jr., Manny Franco, and Jose Ortiz.

He moonlights at Parx on Mondays and Tuesdays.

"Some people wanted me to win it in New York, some people wanted me to win it in Philly," Carmouche said. "Everything happens for a reason. This is my home turf."

In addition to riding successfully at the New York tracks and Parx, Carmouche has 374 wins at Charles Town, primarily from 2004 and 2005; 217 wins at Delaware Park, mostly from 2005 to 2007; 110 wins at Laurel Park; 85 wins at Monmouth Park; and 67 victories at Penn National.

Carmouche was selected as the winner of the Mike Venezia Award this year through an online fan vote. The award, which is presented by the New York Racing Association, is given to jockeys who "exemplify extraordinary sportsmanship and citizenship."

Although yet to win a Grade 1, Carmouche has won five Grade 2's and 15 Grade 3's, the majority of those victories coming since he started riding in New York. He has a career win average of 16 percent and his mounts have earned purses in excess of $94 million.

He rode his 2,000th winner in 2011 and his 1,000th in 2007.

Carmouche's father Sylvester Carmouche Jr. and his brother, Sylvester Carmouche III also were jockeys.

He and his wife Whitney have two children, Olivia, 11, and Kendrick. 8. The family resides in Delaware.

"I'm a country boy from Louisiana," he said. "I love New York but I like to get home to Delaware too."