Month: June 2022

Bejarano Fifteenth Jockey to 500 Winners at Churchill

Rafael Bejarano became just the 15th jockey to record as many at 500 victories at historic Churchill Downs when the debuting juvenile filly Just Cindy (Justify) validated 6-5 favoritism for trainer Eddie Kenneally Friday afternoon.

A native of Peru who will celebrate his 40th birthday June 23, Bejarano began riding at the Louisville oval in 2003 and earned three riding titles (Spring, 2004-5, Fall 2005) before shifting his tack to California in 2008. Arguably Bejarano's finest hour in the saddle came beneath the Twin Spires in 2010, when he shoved Blind Luck (Pollard's Vision) across the line for a narrow victory in the GI Longines Kentucky Oaks.

Just Cindy was the 4,281st career win for Bejarano, whose mounts have earned over $217 million in prize money.

Other members of the Churchill 500 club include Pat Day (2,482 Churchill Downs wins), Calvin Borel (1,232), Robby Albarado (1,192), Corey Lanerie (1,172), Julien Leparoux (1,002), Don Brumfield (925), Larry Melancon (914), Jim McKnight (883), Charlie Woods, Jr. (757), Brian Hernandez, Jr. (740), Shane Sellers (738), Shaun Bridgmohan (728), Julio Espinoza (642) and Jon Court (583).

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Rafael Bejarano Becomes 15th Jockey To Win 500 Races At Churchill Downs

Rafael Bejarano became only the 15th rider in Churchill Downs history to record 500 victories beneath the historic Twin Spires when debuting 2-year-old filly Just Cindy prevailed in Friday's seventh race.

Bejarano joined Pat Day (2,482 Churchill Downs wins), Calvin Borel (1,232), Robby Albarado (1,192) and Corey Lanerie (1,172), Julien Leparoux (1,002), Don Brumfield (925), Larry Melancon (914), Jim McKnight (883), Charlie Woods Jr. (757), Brian Hernandez Jr. (740), Shane Sellers (738), Shaun Bridgmohan (728), Julio Espinoza (642) and Jon Court (583) in a select group of jockeys that reached the 500-win milestone at Churchill Downs.

Bejarano, who will turn 40 on June 23, became riding in his native Peru in 1999. He began riding at Churchill Downs in 2003 and won three local riding titles (2004-05 Spring and 2005 Fall) before moving his tack to California in 2008. He returned to the Kentucky circuit in 2020.

A winner of 61 Grade 1 races in his career, some of Bejarano's most prestigious victories at Churchill Downs include the 2010 Longines Kentucky Oaks (Blind Luck); 2010 Old Forester Turf Classic (General Quarters); 2007 Derby City Distaff (Hystericalady); 2020 Clark (Bodexpress); and 2004 Stephen Foster (Colonial Colony).

Just Cindy, trained by Eddie Kenneally, was Bejarano's 4,281st career win. His more than 21,000 lifetime mounts have amassed more than $217 million in prize money.

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Easy Munny: Munnings Filly a ‘Rising Star’ on the Jersey Shore

Munnys Gold (f, 2, Munnings–Haraawa, by Medaglia d'Oro) powered away from the gate and never gave her seven rivals a chance, running away to 'TDN Rising Star' status for Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher on debut at Monmouth Park Friday.

Sent off as the 8-5 second choice, the Lawana L. and Robert E. Low colorbearer shot out to the front and sped through an opening quarter in :22.41. The $300,000 FTKJUL purchase hugged the rail around the far turn and made sure it was a one-horse race from there, rolling home completely unchallenged while widening her margin at every call. Munnys Gold hit the wire 14 1/2 lengths ahead of Alma Rose (Sharp Azteca) while stopping the clock for five furlongs in a razor sharp :56.60.

The second winner from as many to make the races for her dam, Munnys Gold has a newborn half-sister by Frosted. This is the extended female family of champion 2-year-old colt Anees. The Munnings over Medaglia d'Oro cross is also responsible for GIII Longacres Mile H. winner Barkley. Munnys Gold is the 10th 'TDN Rising Star' for her sire.

3rd-Monmouth, $56,925, Msw, 6-17, 2yo, f, 5f, :56.60, ft,
14 1/2 lengths.
MUNNYS GOLD, f, 2, by Munnings
1st Dam: Haraawa, by Medaglia d'Oro
2nd Dam: Alseera, by Distorted Humor
3rd Dam: Unbridled Idol, by Unbridled
Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by TVG. Click for the free Equineline.com catalog-style pedigree.
O-Lawana L. & Robert E. Low; B-Nicksar Farms (FL); T-Todd A. Pletcher.

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