Jockey Reyes Overcomes Injury To Net 1000th North American Victory

Jockey Leonel Reyes notched his 1000th victory in North America Saturday at Gulfstream Park, where the 40-year-old native of Venezuela guided Papa Golf (Hard Spun) into the winner's circle following a textbook ride in the fifth race, according to a press release from 1/ST Racing on Saturday.

Reyes, who ventured to Gulfstream Park in 2016 after winning two national riding championships in Venezuela, was just three wins away from the 1000-win milestone Nov. 2, when he was sidelined with an open fracture of his left ankle sustained in a racing accident.

“I feel great. You know it's hard to come back from the accident, but I feel great,” Reyes said. “I'm so happy. It's been a lot of work, but this is worth it.”

Reyes returned to action at Gulfstream Apr. 10 and enjoyed a two-win day Apr. 18.

The jockey has ridden more than 100 winners for the past five years while establishing himself as a leading year-round member of the Gulfstream colony.