Vazquez Heads West With Momentum

Ramon Vazquez is heading west with momentum after riding four winners Thursday at Oaklawn, his final day as a regular at the 2021-2022 meeting.

Vazquez, 38, was named on 13 horses this weekend at Santa Anita (Friday-Sunday) after relocating to Southern California with his agent, Bill Castle. The move came after high-profile riders Flavien Prat and Umberto Rispoli announced in early March that they were leaving Southern California to ride in New York.

"Looking forward to it," Castle said in a text message Thursday night. "We are grateful for the opportunity."

All four of Vazquez's victories Thursday were for Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen. They teamed to win the second race with favored Sparky Hale  ($3.40), fourth race with Toma Todo  ($9.40), eighth race with Gimmick ($5.80) and the ninth race with Pinky Toe  ($26). The four-bagger gave Vazquez 44 victories at the meeting -- fourth in the standings through Thursday—and 393 in his Oaklawn career.

"Any time you win a race, let along four races, you better be grateful," Castle said. "Grateful for Steve and his organization."

Thursday marked the third time Vazquez has ridden four winners on an Oaklawn card, following April 2, 2021, and Feb. 18. Vazquez has recorded three five-win days at Oaklawn -- Jan. 25, 2015, April 9, 2015, and April 19, 2019. 



A native of Puerto Rico, Vazquez has ridden annually at Oaklawn since 2012 and recorded his most lucrative career victory to date aboard Un Ojo  in the $1 million Rebel Stakes (G2) Feb. 26. The Rebel was Oaklawn's final major prep for the $1.25 million Arkansas Derby (G1) April 2.

Castle said Vazquez will return to Oaklawn to ride April 22, April 23 and April 24 because Santa Anita is dark those days.