Milestone Win for Trainer Justin Evans

New Mexico-based trainer Justin Evans secured the 2,000th victory of his career Feb. 17 when Curlina Curlina rallied from fifth to win a 6 1/2-furlong maiden claiming race at Sunland Park.

Evans has enjoyed plenty of success at Sunland, earning five straight training titles (by wins) there until the meet ending in 2018, when he ranked second in wins to Henry Dominguez. In 2018 he also earned training titles at the Downs at Albuquerque and SunRay Park.

Through Feb. 17, Evans, of Santa Teresa, N.M., has a record of 2,000-1,520-1,190 from 8,450 starts for purse earnings of $24,384,250. He has ranked in the top 10 in seasonal wins four times since 2012.

Some of Evans' top runners include multiple stakes winners African Rose, Redneck Humor, Our Choice, and Rebranded.

Curlina Curlina is owned by A and A Equine and Paul Miller. The 6-year-old Curlin  mare was guided to victory by Luis Contreras.