Jockey Kevin Krigger celebrated a victorious return to action following a two-year hiatus with a perfectly executed ride aboard Thenorthremembers ($43.40) in Thursday's opener at Gulfstream Park.
“I thank God for this moment. I've been through a lot this year – my mom passing and a whole lot of things,” said Krigger, who had been living in his St. Croix, Virgin Islands homeland since winning on his last mount at Golden Gate Fields on March 29, 2020. “I'm here now and I appreciate being here.”
Krigger, who has ridden 1044 winners in the U.S., enjoyed a career highlight while riding Goldencents to victory in the 2013 Santa Anita Derby (G1) for trainer Doug O'Neill, earning his first mount in the Kentucky Derby (G1). Goldencents faded to 17th after being forwardly placed in the Derby.
In his first race back Thursday, the 38-year-old jockey showed no rust in the 1 1/16-mile $20,000 claiming race on turf, while rating Thenorthremembers off the pace before sending the Rasharn Creque-trained outsider between horses in the stretch on his way to victory by three-quarters of a length.
“I try to give a perfect ride any time I get a chance to ride. Sometimes, you get one chance. When you get that one chance, you have to capitalize on it,” said Krigger, a long-time friend of countryman Creque. “Me and Rasharn go way back. Thank God, I could come here and get the win.”
Krigger is planning to ride during the Spring/Summer Meet at Gulfstream Park, where he last rode in 2014.
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