T.D. Houghton made history on Thursday at Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course in Youngstown, Ohio, becoming only the ninth jockey in North America to compete in 40,000 Thoroughbred races. He ranks 16th all-time in wins, boasting over 6,324 victories and career earnings exceeding $71.8 million.
Starting the day strong, Houghton secured a win aboard Sammy and Shorty in the opening race, solidifying his reputation as one of racing’s resilient “Ironmen.” Among his most notable horses are Candlelight Hours and City Scene, both trained by longtime collaborator and fellow Michigan native James R. Jackson.
A mainstay of the Ohio racing scene for nearly 40 years, Houghton began his professional riding career at Detroit Race Course on June 24, 1987, finishing fourth with a horse called Strong Appeal. By 1995, he had claimed the leading jockey title at DRC and has since been the top rider at Tampa Bay Downs, Mountaineer Park, Pinnacle Race Course, and Mahoning Valley Race Course.
Reflecting on his journey, Houghton acknowledged the significance of his milestone, especially considering the injury setback he faced in 2002 at Great Lakes Downs, which sidelined him for a substantial period. He credited Gerald Bennet for putting him back in the saddle on a horse named Secret Romeo, a Michigan legend with whom he won five stakes races across five different states.
Now, nearly 25 years later and at 56 years old, Houghton continues to compete and thrive in the winner’s circle.
This article originally appeared in the News section of the Paulick Report on November 5, 2026. Add Paulick Report as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Fan Take: T.D. Houghton’s remarkable longevity and success highlight the perseverance and dedication required to excel in horse racing, inspiring both fans and aspiring jockeys. His ongoing presence in the sport underscores the deep experience that veteran riders bring, enriching the competition and connecting generations within the racing community.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
