Jockey Murphy Reaches Milestone at Zia Park
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Photo: Coady Photography
Glen Murphy celebrates win number 3,000.
Jockey Glen "Billy" Murphy booted home the 3,000th winner of his career Dec. 14 when first-time starter Girls Got Skills captured the eighth race at Zia Park.
Murphy's mounts have bankrolled more than $40.6 million since he began race riding in 1984. He won the first race of his career that year at Sunland Park, where he was leading rider in 1990-91. He also took titles in 1991 at Ruidoso Downs, 2000 at Sam Houston Race Park, and 2000 at Lone Star Park.
Girls Got Skills, a daughter of Weather Warning, pressed the early pace, seized a slim lead on the turn, and drew off to a 5 3/4-length triumph in the 5 1/2-furlong maiden claiming race for 2-year-old New Mexico-bred fillies. Trained by Todd Fincher for Chris G. Coleman, who bred her, and Brad King, the filly covered the distance in 1:04.51 on a fast track.