Jockey Alex Barzer reached a major milestone on Friday night by securing his 4,000th career victory with Big Duck in the fifth race at Delta Downs. Barzer expertly guided the 4-year-old Lequite gelding, bred in Louisiana and trained by his wife Bonnie for Spooky Business Stable, through a 6 1/2 furlong race. Starting from third position, Big Duck moved to the front in the turn, passed the leader Hartprint during the stretch, and won by 1 1/4 lengths.
Originally from Council Grove, Kansas, Barzer began his riding career in 1992, earning his first win at River Downs (now Belterra Park) in Cincinnati. Although a broken ankle late last June nearly delayed this achievement, he returned to racing and reached this milestone on his eighth ride back at Delta Downs. Throughout his career, Barzer has ridden 28,509 mounts, amassing more than $73.9 million in earnings, making him the 86th jockey in North America to surpass 4,000 wins.
Fan Take: Alex Barzer’s landmark victory not only highlights his resilience and skill but also inspires up-and-coming jockeys in the sport. His achievement underscores the dedication needed in horse racing and serves as a reminder of the rich history and exciting future of the sport for fans and participants alike.
