Jockey Lambert Takes Ruidoso Title, Retires
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Jockey Casey Lambert called it a career after taking the Thoroughbred riding title during Ruidoso Downs' summer meet that concluded Sept. 7.
Lambert scored 28 wins for the season while Ruby Gonzalez, who battled with him until closing day, posted 26 winners.
The son of trainer and former jockey Cliff Lambert, Casey Lambert won 2,727 Thoroughbred races since 1981, according to Equibase, and nearly 3,400 overall, including aboard Quarter Horses.
"I've been riding really well, but I've decided that it's time," Lambert, 50, said when announcing his retirement. "I've always had in the back of my mind that when my boys graduate from high school, that's when I would start to wind it up. Now it's been a couple of years past that. I'm ready to start a new chapter in my life."
Lambert started his career two days after his 16th birthday in 1981 at Ruidoso Downs.
Lambert rode Mine That Bird in the 2009 Sunland Derby before the colt went on to win the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) at Churchill Downs.
"I'm not making a big deal out of retiring," Lambert said. "I'm still going to be around the horses and might try my hand at training. I'm thankful to my family and friends for all their support through the years."