Van Dyke equals Del Mar single-day win mark (7)

DEL MAR, Calif. - Jockey Drayden Van Dyke equaled a single-day record for victories by a rider at Del Mar on Sunday by winning seven races, including the featured Del Mar Mile on Catapult and a dramatic closing charge with Ohio in the finale for the tying win.

The only other jockey to win seven on a single card was Victor Espinoza, who did it on Sept. 4, 2006.

"It's a dream come true," Van Dyke said in the winner's circle after the day's final race. "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 1s, but to know I had my seventh won having put them all away was a great feeling," he said.

Van Dyke received a nice cheer from the crowd when he returned to the winner's circle on Ohio and track commentator Trevor Denman informed the patrons of Van Dyke's feat. On his way back to the jockeys' room, a number of fans had waited well past the final race to give him a cheer, get autographs, and have pictures taken with the star of the day.