Simard wins 2,000th career race

Jockey Real Simard won his 2,000th race aboard longshot Frieda's Girl in the last race at Northlands Park Friday night. Frieda's Girl paid $25.10.

Simard, 44, started his career in 1986 and has been based in Alberta for most of his career. His first win came aboard Sudden Spurt on September 7, 1986 in a $4,000 claiming race at Northlands Park.

Simard ranks A Fleets Dancer and Footprint as the best horses he rode in his career. He won the Canadian Derby with both horses and also the Alberta and Manitoba Derby with A Fleets Dancer. The only derby in Western Canada he hasn't won is the British Columbia Derby.

"It was very special to ride A Fleets Dancer in the Super Derby," said Simard. "There have been a few ups and downs along the way but it's been an awesome way to make a living."