Hall of Fame jockey Solis announces retirement

By Jonathan Lintner

Hall of Fame jockey Alex Solis, a winner of more than 5,000 races, on Sunday announced his retirement in an interview with TVG.

The 53-year-old from Panama rode in just short of 34,000 races, according to Equibase, and his mounts earned more than $238 million.

Solis rode, among many other standout horses, 1986 Preakness Stakes winner Snow Chief, 2000 Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Kona Gold and Pleasantly Perfect, who in 2004 won the Dubai World Cup.

"I'd like to thank all the owners and trainers that gave me the opportunity to ride so many great horses," Solis said.

Solis will remain active in the sport as a member of the California Horse Racing Board. 

"At this point, I'm going to take a little time and really reflect on what I'd like to do," he told TVG. "Just like with anything else, I have to find the love and passion in myself and figure out what I'd like to do."

His son, Alex Solis II, is also a well-known bloodstock agent and owner of horses his father has ridden including Lutine Bell, who he guided to a 5,000th career win in 2015.

Solis last rode in a race in April of this year.