Hernandez Rides 1,000th U.S. Winner at GGF
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Photo: Vassar Photography
Juan Hernandez picked up his 1000th victory aboard She's Flush.
Jockey Juan Hernandez won three consecutive races Feb. 20 at Golden Gate Fields, picking up his 1,000th victory in the United States in the process.
The milestone win came in the seventh race, when She's Flush ($17.20) turned back odds-on favorite Bottle Blonde to take the $32,000 claiming event for fillies and mares by a neck .
"I was working really hard to get (the milestone win)," Hernandez said. "I want to thank the trainers, the grooms, and my agent (Ramon Silva). We're still working to get more winners."
Hernandez, 23, also won the fifth race aboard Boldly True ($16.60) and race 6 aboard Ryder's Starlight ($14) . The $1 all-Hernandez Pick 3 returned $167.50.
Hernandez's tally includes 999 wins in the mainland United States and one victory in Puerto Rico. The native of Veracruz, Mexico, began his riding career at Hipódromo de las Américas in Mexico City, following in the footsteps of his father, Jose Hernandez. He competes at Golden Gate alongside his brother, Jonathan Hernandez.
After riding briefly in Puerto Rico, Hernandez came to Golden Gate in January 2010. He rode in Southern California between July 2012 and January 2013 before returning to Golden Gate.
Hernandez has won three graded stakes: the All American (gr. III) with Cigar Man, 2012 San Francisco Mile (gr. IIIT) with Hudson Landing, and 2014 Berkeley Handicap (gr. III) with Pepper Crown. Last year he rode Smokey Image to four stakes wins.
Hernandez estimates he won 200 races at Hipódromo de las Américas. His wins in Mexico are not reflected in Equibase's statistics.