Hall of Fame jockey Robby Albarado, who had more than 5,000 career wins, has died.
He was 52.
Albarado underwent surgery for a blockage near his heart last week and had been released from the hospital prior to his death.
He’s one of Churchill Downs’ most accomplished jockeys.
“Saying goodbye to someone who left us too soon is extremely difficult. The Churchill Downs family is saddened by this devastating loss and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and numerous friends,” said Churchill Downs Racetrack president Mike Anderson.
Born and raised in Louisiana, Albarado won 5,222 races during his career, earning more than $221 million.
He began riding at the age of 10 and progressed to riding at bush tracks in his native Louisiana by the age of 12. After turning professional, he earned his first official win at Evangeline Downs in 1990.
He ranks fourth all-time in wins at Churchill Downs with 1,192. He’s behind Pat Day, Corey Lanerie and Calvin Borel.
Albarado started his jockey career in 1996 before retiring in 2021.
Over his career, Albarado won the Preakness Stakes twice, in 2007 and 2021, and had a second-place finish at the Kentucky Derby in 2013.
He also had first-place finishes at the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf in 2009, the TVG Breeders’ Cup Mile in 2011, and the Breeders’ Cup Classic in 2007, riding Curlin—the same horse he rode in his Preakness win that year.
READ MORE:Hall of Fame jockey, Louisiana racing legend Robby Albarado dies at 52
