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Jockey Pincay Wins 9,000th Race

October 29, 2000 / 12:22 AM EDT / AP

Laffit Pincay Jr. rode a record five stakes winners at Santa Anita on Saturday, the third of which was the 9,000th winning mount of his career.

Pincay, 53, who became the leading career rider last Dec. 10, when he passed Bill Shoemaker's record of 8,833, is the first jockey in the 65-year history of Santa Anita to ride five stakes winners in one day.

Pincay's six mounts earned $435,000 of the $1.275 million in purses available in the California Cup, a 10-race program open only to horses bred in the state.

He won the day's biggest race as well when he guided long shot Sky Jack to a four-length victory over Literal Prowler in the $250,000 California Cup Classic.

His only non-winning mount Saturday was Centerofattention, which finished second in the race for 2-year-old fillies.

Pincay's first winner was Shivareen Sky in the Distaff Starter for fillies and mares 3 and up. He then rode Heightenedawareness to victory in the Starter Sprint for 3-year-olds and up.

Pincay claimed victory number 9,000 atop defending champion Chichim in the Distaff. Following the win, fellow Hall of Fame jockey Chris McCarron presented Pincay with a specially designed saddle commemorating the occasion.

"You are truly a gracious person and a role model, and I want to thank you for the education you have given us," McCarron told Pincay.

Pincay said he would continue riding as long as he remained healthy and continued enjoying it. He was surprised to pass the milestone so easily.

"It was a great day, but I'm a little surprised," he said. "I knew I was going to ride some nice horses today, but I didn't think I'd win five races. Today is very special."

Pincay's other winner was Road to Slew in the Mile.

Sky Jack led throughout the Classic and covered 1 1-8 miles in 1:49. Sky Jack paid $25, $11.40, and $6.20, while Literal Prowler returned $9 and $6.20. First Journey was third and returned $6.60 to show.

It was Sky Jack's first stakes win, and fifth in nine races. The winner's share of $150,000 was equal to his previous earnings, raising the 4-year-old's career total to $312,367.