During the winter, Joel Rosario was based at Gulfstream Park at their Championship Meet with occasional trips to other racetracks for major races. With Keeneland's spring meet in full swing, Rosario rode at Keeneland Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, where he won the Limestone Stakes then commuted to Oaklawn for Saturday's card where he won the Grade 1 Apple Blossom with a thrilling stretch drive.
The panel of racing experts voted Rosario the honor of Jockey of the Week for April 10 through April 16. The award recognizes jockeys for riding accomplishments and who are members of the Jockeys' Guild, the organization which represents more than 1050 active, retired and permanently disabled jockeys in the United States.
At Keeneland on Friday, trainer Wesley Ward gave a leg up to Rosario on Love Reigns (IRE) in the Limestone Stakes for 3-year-old fillies. Off as the favorite in the field of 11, Love Reigns raced mid-pack while saving ground. In upper stretch, Love Reigns was bottled up behind horses, but by mid-stretch, Rosario found a seam along the rail. Surging between horses, Love Reigns caught her stablemate, Lady Hollywood (GB), in the final strides to post a half-length win in 1:02.45 for the five and one-half furlongs on the firm turf course. The win was Rosario's second in the race after taking the 2019 renewal aboard Ginger Nut (IRE).
“That was impressive. She really put it together,” said Rosario of his mount's ability to recover from being stopped in traffic. “We were following a couple of horses and she really came with a nice move. She put herself together and got back, and that was unbelievable.”
It was then off to Oaklawn Park for Saturday's 12-race card featuring the G1 Apple Blossom. The compact field of four included Secret Oath, the 2022 Kentucky Oaks winner with Tyler Gaffalione aboard for Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas and Clairiere piloted by Rosario for Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen. Off as the second choice, Clairiere raced behind Hot and Sultry and Secret Oath. Near the quarter pole, Secret Oath took the lead with Clairiere full of run and gobbling up ground with every stride. Clairiere caught Secret Oath at wire for a neck win in 1:43.36 for the mile and one-sixteenth.
“She responded really well today,” said Rosario. “I was watching the one horse (Secret Oath) in front of me. She really dug in there. I was able to get there in time. She always tried really hard.”
This week, Rosario will be riding at Keeneland then back at Oaklawn on Saturday for the G2 Oaklawn Handicap aboard Proxy for trainer Michael Stidham.
Other nominees for Jockey of the Week were Manny Franco who was leading rider for the week in wins with 10, Irad Ortiz, Jr. with two stakes wins at Keeneland including the Gr. I Jenny Wiley, Flavien Prat also with two stakes wins at Keeneland including the Gr. I Maker's Mark Mile and Luis Saez who won the Gr. III Lexington Stakes.
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