Turf Paradise: Jockey Kato wins No. 2,000

Jockey Akifumi Kato notched career Thoroughbred winner 2,000 at Turf Paradise Monday when he guided She’s a Hit ($6) to capture the day’s eighth race. The 3-year-old filly, owned by Arrowhead Racing and trained by Kaylyn Kato, sat midpack in the about 7 1/2-furlong turf event, a $30,000 maiden claimer, began to advance on the far turn, swung very wide into the lane and kept on resolutely to get up in the final strides as the 2-1 favorite.

Kato, 60, was born in Japan and began riding in 1976. Besides riding at Turf Paradise he has spent the bulk of his career riding in the Northwest at Portland Meadows, Yakima Downs, Emerald Downs, Hastings Park, and now-defunct Playfair.