Jockey Gallardo Celebrates His 2,000th Win

Antonio Gallardo didn't throw in the towel after getting passed in deep stretch aboard Carole Star Stables' Do What It Takes in the fourth race Feb. 3 at Tampa Bay Downs. The jockey's perseverance paid off in career victory No. 2,000, as Do What It Takes rallied on the inside to post a nose victory for trainer Jose Delgado.

The 33-year-old Gallardo, who has won five riding championships at Tampa, received enthusiastic applause from spectators after his No. 5 was posted on the tote board.

"I love it," Gallardo said, moments after being joined by his wife Polliana and their two children for photographs in the winner's circle. "(Exceed the Goal) blew past us, but I could see her ears were back, and she was stopping. I said to myself 'I think I can get it,' and thank God my horse gave me a little bit more and got to the wire first."

It was the 45th victory of the meeting for Gallardo, who trails only Samy Camacho in the 2020-21 Oldsmar, Fla., oval standings.

Gallardo, a product of Jerez de la Frontera in Cadiz, Spain, has won 837 races at Tampa. Only Daniel Centeno and Mike Manganello, with six apiece, have won more meeting titles here.

"Tampa is home for me. It's given me so much, and you feel great doing something like this at home," Gallardo said. "I have to thank my family, all my agents, the trainers and owners, and the fans who have supported me. This is something I never thought of doing when I first came to the United States.

"I just have to keep going."

Gallardo also touched base with his parents in Spain, Paqui, and Antonio, through FaceTime on Polliana's phone in the winner's circle. Children Carlos, 12, and Christa, who turns 7 next week, gave him a poster sign of congratulations they made at home.

Gallardo, who is the track's single-season record holder with 147 winners, set during the 2014-15 meet, has also won four riding championships at Presque Isle Downs, where he also won the 2018 and 2019 editions of the Presque Isle Downs Masters Stakes (G2) aboard Hotshot Anna. The jockey has won nine graded stakes, topped by his victory aboard Funtastic  in the 2018 United Nations (G1T).

Having launched his career in the U.S. with a single mount on New Year's Eve in 2008, Gallardo achieved his 2,000th win in his 9,807th start. His mounts have earned more than $39.7 million.