Rajiv Maragh wins 2,000th race

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Jockey Rajiv Maragh registered his 2,000th lifetime victory by guiding Lazio to a popular victory in Friday’s third race at Gulfstream Park.

Maragh, who recorded his first winner at Tampa Bay Downs on Feb. 1, 2004, stepped away from riding in January 2022 to devote his time to starting and building Road Jockey, a food delivery service in Jamaica. He resumed riding at Gulfstream on Oct. 29, 2024 with the goal of reaching the 2,000-win milestone.

“This feels pretty surreal when you think about the whole journey,” said Maragh. “I’ve come a real long way. I’ve come from humble beginnings and to be able to achieve this milestone is pretty incredible.”

Lazio, who is conditioned by Mary Lightner, took the lead in upper stretch and held on by a neck for the decision. He paid $5 as the favorite.

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