Hernandez Jr. Lands Career Win 2,000 at Fair Grounds

When Brian Hernandez Jr. guided Afleet Roger to victory in the fifth race Dec. 19 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, it marked a career milestone for the 34-year-old Lafayette, La. native who earned the Eclipse Award as outstanding apprentice rider in 2004.

Hernandez secured the 2,000th victory of his career Thursday aboard Afleet Roger, who is owned by Never Better Stables and trained by James "Jimmy" Baker. Hernandez could afford to start the celebration a bit early as the pair drew off to a 9 1/4-length score in the $12,500 maiden-claiming race at 1 1/16 miles.

"When I first started, I never really thought I'd get to 2,000," Hernandez said after the race. "It just started to get brought up and all of a sudden they were counting it down and I was getting closer and closer. To get to 2,000 is a cool milestone to have on a resume, now I just want to keep working hard and reaching for more."

Hernandez, who guided Fort Larned  to victory in the 2012 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1), secured his first career victory in 2003 at Delta Downs. Just three later, Hernandez was aboard Cielo Gold when winning the 2006 edition of the Indiana Derby (G2), giving the young jockey his first of 51 career graded stakes wins.

At Fair Grounds, he is best known for his work with Girvin , winner of both the 2017 Risen Star Stakes (G2) and Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby (G2) for trainer Joe Sharp. 

"As a young rider you are just excited to go out there and win as many races as you can," Hernandez said. "Even to this day, years later, it's fun to go out and win. We just try to win as many races as possible and we're always looking for the next top-level horse."