Rosario Returns to Keeneland

Today is opening day of the 2014 Spring Meet and marks the Keeneland return for jockey Joel Rosario, who is named on mounts in six races. Rosario has not ridden here since April 2013, when he captured the leading rider title with 38 victories.

Rosario’s performance last year set a record for most wins by a jockey in a Spring Meet. The previous record of 32 wins was set by Randy Romero during the 1990 Spring Meet. Pat Day holds the overall record of 45 wins set during the 1991 Fall Meet.

Rosario boosted his 2013 Spring Meet totals with two five-win days and three four-win days. He won four stakes during the season, all graded events. He begins this season with 44 career wins at Keeneland, where his seven stakes wins include the 2010 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1) with Harmonious and the 2011 Toyota Blue Grass (G1) with Brilliant Speed.

This time last year, Rosario already had won the $10 million Dubai World Cup (G1) on Animal Kingdom. On the first Saturday in May, he would ride Orb to win the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1).

Rosario’s Keeneland schedule during this year’s Spring Meet includes several other engagements. On Saturday, he will participate in a Q&A with Keeneland fans that is hosted by Katie Gensler. The event in the Paddock begins at 12:05 p.m. ET.

On April 17, Rosario will receive the sixth Hartack Memorial Award from the Bill Hartack Charitable Foundation. The annual award honors the memory and lifetime achievements of the five-time winner of the Kentucky Derby. The award will be presented following the last race that day in the Limestone Café in the Keeneland Sales Pavilion.