Van Dyke back to work early after record-equaling day

DEL MAR, Calif. – The work ethic that propelled Drayden Van Dyke to a Del Mar record-equaling day Sunday and a spot atop the jockeys’ standings this summer was evident Monday morning, when he was out bright and early, working horses at 6:30 for upcoming races.

Van Dyke was still understandably excited over what had transpired Sunday, when he became only the second jockey to win seven races on a single Del Mar card, equaling Victor Espinoza’s feat of 2006.

“I slept like crap, just from excitement,” Van Dyke said. “Plus, I had to respond to all my text messages.”

There were no doubt plenty of messages after Van Dyke won with seven of eight mounts and finished a close second in his only loss. The biggest win financially came in the $200,000 Del Mar Mile with Catapult.

“Going into the day, I just wanted to win the stake,” Van Dyke said.

Van Dyke won four straight races early on the card, then won the last three. In the day’s final race, he rallied from well back aboard Ohio, and track commentator Trevor Denman took notice.

“And here comes Ohio down the center of the track flying,” Denman said, his voice rising in upper stretch. “Ohio strikes the front. What a day for Drayden Van Dyke. Hand rides Ohio. Seven on the day.”

“It’s a dream come true,” Van Dyke said in the winner’s circle after Ohio’s victory. “I thought I had two or three solid chances.”

Van Dyke said coming through the final furlong of the last race, knowing he was home free, was “one of the best feelings.”

“I’ve been lucky enough to win multiple Grade 1’s, but to know I had my seventh won, having put them all away was a great feeling,” he said.

“He’s a difficult horse to ride,” Van Dyke said of Ohio. “Some days he can be pulling, sometimes he’s out the back. I just let him place himself.”

Going into the far turn, “I was loaded,” Van Dyke said.

Van Dyke received a nice cheer from the crowd when he returned to the winner’s circle on Ohio and Denman reminded the patrons of Van Dyke’s feat. On his way back to the jockeys’ room, a number of fans who had waited well past the final race cheered him as he walked through the tunnel connecting the track to the paddock, and several sought autographs or pictures with the star of the day.

Charlie McCaul, the assistant clerk of scales, told Van Dyke he’d order a collage of his seven winners from track photographers Benoit and Associates.

“Thank you,” Van Dyke said, breaking into a wide smile.