Jockey Francisco Torres Secures 2,500th Career Win

It didn’t take long. Rider Francisco Torres came into Friday’s races at Hawthorne Race Course needing two victories to earn his 2500th win. He won the first race, for leading connections Midwest Thoroughbreds and trainer Roger Brueggemann, aboard 1-2 favorite Maltese Dog though it wasn’t easy. He had to put away repeated challengers but none as tough as Gold Legion, with Tim Thornton in the irons. They left the field far behind by midstretch while they dueled on the front end. It appeared that Gold Legion had the momentum but Torres worked his magic and came away with a nose victory.

In the second race, Torres was again aboard the heavy favorite, 7-5 Forest Colors, trained by Gary Scherer and owned by Al & Bill Ulwelling, and again Cisco didn’t disappoint. In good stalking position throughout, Cisco sent Forest Colors to the lead in the stretch and was able to hold his rivals safe, winning by a half length.

“I couldn’t have done it without the horsemen. I have so many people to thank for getting here. I want to apologize for anything that I’ve done to them in the past and to thank them for giving me another chance.”

Cisco is also sitting on the number 2499 for second-place finishes. He would rather wait awhile before hitting 2500 in that category, preferring to win another 2500 before he does.

UPDATE

To put a big exclamation point on his day, Torres rode five winners on Hawthorne’s Friday card and yes, he did score his 2500th career second-place finish in the last.

His five winners were Maltese Dog ($3.00), Forest Colors ($4.80), Dooney Rock ($7.80), Angel Divine ($4.80), and Lookinatmindy ($6.80).

He finished second on Eyema Delight.