from a Maryland Jockey Club release
The Pimlico Race Course spring meeting ended today with jockey Sheldon Russell and trainer Juan Vazquez winning individual titles. The 36-day stand began at the historic home of the Preakness Stakes (G1) on April 4.
Russell topped the jockey standings for the second time in three years with 28 first place finishes, two more than both Xavier Perez and apprentice Victor Carrasco. The 25-year-old had six multiple win days during the meet, including three wins on May 4.
Juan Vazquez was the leading trainer and Sheldon Russell, the leading rider, during the just-completed Pimlico spring meet. Photo by Jim McCue, Maryland Jockey Club.
“I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to ride for who I ride for,” Russell said. “I am lucky to hang on. The last two days have been nerve racking though it hasn’t stopped me from riding my own race. It has been close but I am proud to be on top at the home of the second leg of the Triple Crown.”
Forest Boyce and Yomar Ortiz tied for fourth in the standings. Each rode 22 winners.
Vazquez earned his first training title in Maryland by winning 22 races, six more than Scott Lake. Dane Kobiskie (14), King Leatherbury (14) and Hugh McMahon (13) rounded out the top five. The Vazquez barn had four multiple win afternoons during the meet, including three on April 11.
“The horses ran very well and I am looking forward to supporting Maryland racing when racing returns to Laurel,” said Vazquez, who has two titles at Delaware Park on his resume. “The condition book was our friend this meet. The horses were put in the right spot and ran great.”
PTK LLC topped the owner standings with 14 victories, three more than the Jim Stable.
There will not be live racing at the major Maryland tracks for the next 14 weeks. The Laurel Park fall meeting begins Thursday, September 19.
