Borel gets elusive 5,000th career win

Photo: Coady Photography

Calvin Borel became the 26th jockey in North American racing history to win 5,000 races when he guided Hezunusal to a four-length victory in Thursday’s sixth race at Oaklawn Park.

Borel, 47, is a three-time winner of the Kentucky Derby who last month was named one of 10 finalists on the 2013 ballot for the Hall of Fame. He also was the regular rider on 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra. Borel regularly winters in Arkansas, and in February 2005 registered the 4,000th win of his career at Oaklawn.

“I [never] dreamed of riding 5,000 races, much less winning 5,000 races,” Borel said Thursday. “We’ve won three Kentucky Derbies, a Preakness, did everything we wanted to accomplish. I wish my agent was here with me. I want to dedicate this race to Jerry Hissam.”

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