Turf Paradise: Collins rides 2,000th winner

PHOENIX – Veteran rider Dennis Collins notched career Thoroughbred winner No. 2,000 when he guided Justcallheraggie to victory in the third race at Turf Paradise on Monday.

The 50-year-old reinsman put the 5-year-old mare right on the lead in the about 7 1/2-furlong grass test. She held a clear lead and continued to play keep away to the wire, winning by 1 1/4 lengths at 11-1. Justcallheraggie is owned by Harry Richardson and trained by Ty Garrett.

Collins, a New Jersey native, won his first race at Laurel in 1987. He’s had much of his success in Nebraska, riding at Fonner and Lincoln. He’s also ridden at numerous New Mexico tracks as well as Turf Paradise. He reportedly will ride at Yavapai Downs in Prescott Valley this summer if that track reopens.