Jockey Montalvo Hits 1,000-Win Milestone

Jockey Carlos Montalvo recorded his 1,000th career victory Aug. 1 at Arlington International Racecourse, winning with trainer Jere R. Smith Jr.'s Oh My Todd in the day's first race.

 

Ramiro Martinez's Oh My Todd, a son of Artie Schiller  , led gate to wire in a 7 1/4-length triumph to reach the milestone win for Montalvo.

 

"You know, a few months ago when I realized I was getting close, it felt nice," said Montalvo, a 36-year-old native of Mexico. "It's harder to get wins these days when tracks don't race five days like they used to. I've gotten close a few times in the last week, and it's nice to get it done today."

 

Montalvo started riding in 1996 and notched his first career win aboard Irun at Hipodromo de las Americas in Mexico. 

 

"When I came to the United States, it was a little bit before it was legal for me to ride, so I exercised horses for (Eusebio) Razo and (Steve) Asmussen down in New Orleans and in Texas," Montalvo said. "I started riding in the afternoons in Chicago, and though I've ridden in New York, Hot Springs, and a lot of other places, I always find my way back to Chicago." 

 

Montalvo's 9,279 mounts have amassed purse earnings of $20.1 million. They have been second 1,048 times and third in 1,157 races.