Geroux wins 5 on Kentucky Oaks card to help offset rocky season
In July, Florent Geroux had to take some time away from riding because he caught a mild case of COVID-19. Though he didn't show any symptoms, the positive test and the pandemic in general threw off his year to a major degree.
“The door was closed in New York,” Geroux said. “I just couldn’t ride, doesn’t matter if I bring them a COVID test or whatever, the door was closed. Couldn’t go to California, I couldn’t go anywhere.”
On Friday, Geroux made up for some of his 2020 frustration, winning five races, including his second Kentucky Oaks victory aboard Shedaresthedevil, trained by Brad Cox.
“2020 has been rough for everyone in the world,” Geroux said. “Just being here, to have a Derby, even if it’s September with no spectators, it’s amazing because at the beginning of the year, with everyone staying home you thought it was pretty much impossible.”
As for Friday's run of greatness -- which includes breaking the stakes record in the Oaks, Geroux was quick to praise his mounts.
“When you’re on good horses it helps a lot,” Geroux said. “After that everything needs to align you know, but the horses are the one. If I was running three horses and a 45/1 shot, I don’t know that I would have won any of them."
Geroux's other wins came aboard Travel Column in the fifth race; Flabbergasted in the seventh race; Monomoy Girl in the La Troienne (G1) and Diamond Oops in the Twin Spires Turf Sprint (G2).
However, Geroux – who rode in nine of the day's 13 races – wasn’t completely satisfied with his day’s effort. He was particularly frustrated with when his mount Mundaye Call, the favorite in the Eight Belles (G2), got caught in a speed duel and faded to finish off the board.
“To be honest there is one I’m not very pleased with,” Geroux said. “You know in the Eight Belles. I was the even-money favorite. I went to a speed duel and I ended up finishing in fourth.”
Derby Day has the potential to be another big day for Geroux. He is scheduled to ride in 10 races on Saturday's program, including the Kentucky Derby aboard Thousand Words for trainer Bob Baffert.