Gonzalez Wins 1,000th Race in Mainland United States
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Photo: Keeneland/Coady Photography
Jockey Edwin Gonzalez
Jockey Edwin Gonzalez won his 1,000th race in the mainland United States when he piloted Diamond Moon to victory in the eighth race at Penn National Race Course March 10. He has an additional 443 victories in his native Puerto Rico.
His milestone victory came without much drama, as Diamond Moon ($3) took charge soon after the break and always held a clear lead in a race for $5,000 claimers. The Gemologist mare crossed the wire 5 1/4 lengths in front for trainer Brandon Kulp and owner Joseph Besecker, completing six furlongs in 1:12.10.
The leading rider at Penn National the last two full years (2020 and 2019), Gonzalez currently has won with 34 of 106 rides (32%) there in 2021 to again top the standings to date. 34% of his mounts won there in 2020 and 31% in 2019.
The jockey will begin riding in Florida later this month, according to Gulfstream Park publicity, first at Tampa Bay Downs on Florida Cup Day March 28 before shifting to Gulfstream. He was the second-leading rider during the 2017 Tampa meet.
"We've been north here the last two years and it's been good, but we only race two days a week and I'd like to ride at a better track with some better horses," said Gonzalez, who is moving along with his wife and three children.
Gonzalez' biggest mainland U.S. win to date came in 2017 when he guided Ghost Hunter to victory in the Arlington Handicap (G3).