Watch: After Decades of Horse Racing, Equestrian Jockey Frank Alvarado Gallops to 4,000th Career Win

The Golden Gate Fields Racing is one of the major Thoroughbred racetracks in Northern California. The course hosts events from Grade III to the California Derby. Hence, naturally, over the years, the track has stood to watch equines and equestrians achieve major feats alike. Now as horse racing returned to the track on Sunday for its 4th one for the month, the track was in to watch yet another moment of celebration; this time a lot closer to home.

On the 22nd, Golden Gates hosted a total of 9 races for the day. However, as race 2 took the gates a little while after noon, the ground stood to form a strong base for the region’s veteran; Frank Alvarado. The Panama native was to race atop DNA Racing Stable’s 5-year-old equine for the speculated milestone. With a mix of excellent skill and formidable experience, Frank lifted the title by the end of the match.

The veteran races to wire for milestone

Jockey Frank Alvarado was in against 5 other equines and riders for race 2 on Sunday. As the gates opened, Bold Mistress took an early lead threatening dominance. However, come the first turn, Shout It Out who was lying behind picked the pace from the outside to cover up the lengths. 5/8 in, Bold Mistress, Maycee Joe, and Jays Angel left a neck of a distance between each other; as Shout It Out joined the party with final furlong.

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As the wire neared, the finish called for a photo finish between Jays Angel and Shout It Out. Timed at 1:10:48, Frank transitioned from 3999 wins to 4000. The feat earned a reaction from horse racing enthusiasts all over and track announcer, Matt Dinerman joined in. “Congratulations to veteran rider FRANK ALVARADO, who just earned his 4,000th career victory aboard Shout It Out in Race 2 today at @GGFracing,” Matt wrote. 

The win was one of the biggest for the jockey after being in the industry for nearly 40 decades. The veteran racing over the years has been a part of major stakes and went on to reach career high earnings in a year with $4 Million.

Frank’s impressive horse racing journey

Frank Alvarado started his career back in 1984 with first career win at Panama’s Hipodromo Presidente Ramon Racecourse on April 2, 1984. The jockey slowly increased his career starts from 200s to 1000s when he moved to the Bay Area in 2000. That year, Frank held his earnings at $3,968,599 but reached his peak in 2008 with $4.4 Million. However, throughout his career, Frank has had 26,221 starts with 4000 wins.

Frank has majorly contested at and won Grade 3 stakes and stands entitled to career earnings of $87.8 Million. His top performing equine mounts include McCann’s Mojave from Berkely Stakes, and Santa Anita stakes-winning 2-year-old Grand Slam Smile.

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