Turf Paradise track report

Rain not only washed away the race cards for last Saturday and Sunday, it likely delayed a celebration for jockey Leslie Mawing. The 30-year-old rider is sneaking up on the 1,000-win mark.

Mawing had 995 victories through Tuesday. A native of South Africa, he rode his first winner at Boise in Idaho in 1994 and seemed on his way. However, injuries proved major stumbling blocks. He broke a shoulder in a spill at Hollywood Park in 1996 and later broke his back in a spill at Emerald Downs. It took him two years to get back in the saddle, but he has established himself as one of the mainstays in the local riding colony.

"I will be thrilled," Mawing said of reaching the milestone. "When I was recuperating those two years with injuries, I didn't think I'd get there. Now, I'm almost there."

In fact, his goal now is to try to branch out.

"I just want to stay healthy," he said. "Eventually I'd like to ride in Europe and Asia."

Mawing and his wife of five years, Caty, have a 17-month-old son, Aidan.

* The $50,000 Glendale Handicap, lost as part of last Saturday's card, is scheduled to be brought back this Saturday. The 1 1/16-mile turf event is expected to be headed by 124-pound highweight Muir Beach, the top distaffer on the grounds.