Bravo reaches 5,000 wins

Last updated: 5/23/15 6:23 PM

Joe Bravo has won more than
20 riding titles at New Jersey tracks
(Bill Denver/Equi-Photo)

Saturday’s sixth race at Monmouth Park proved an extra special one for the
jockey aptly nicknamed “Jersey” Joe Bravo when he piloted Boss Man (English
Channel) to victory, marking the 43-year-old journeyman’s 5,000th trip to the
winner’s circle. Bravo joins the elite company of just 30 other North American
riders to achieve this milestone.

“I want to thank all the people that were there when I wasn’t doing this
good,” said Bravo, who was born just a few miles from Monmouth Park in Long
Branch. “I’ve been extremely fortunate in my career and to get today’s win right
here at Monmouth is even more special. I’ve been at this for more years than I
wish to count now and it’s been a great ride so far.”

Through Saturday’s sixth race, Bravo sports a lifetime record of 5,000 wins,
4,435 seconds and 3,752 thirds from 27,453 mounts, good for earnings of nearly
$150 million, making him the 27th all-time money earning rider.

In the annals of New Jersey horse racing, no single rider has accomplished
what Bravo has. The resident of Eatontown has won nearly half his career races
at Monmouth Park, including all of the track’s top events, most notably the $1
million Haskell Invitational (G1) in 2004 atop Lion Heart.

In 1991 Bravo became the first rider in New Jersey history to win titles at
Garden State Park, The Meadowlands and Monmouth Park in a single season. He
followed that up with a record 12 more championships at Monmouth Park. On four
occasions he rode a then-record six winners on a single card.

“New Jersey is home,” Bravo said. “I am so grateful that so many of my
friends were here today for this. And a special thank you to the fans. So many
people have supported me through the years and I will always be grateful for
their kindness, support and most importantly their friendship.”

The 5,000 club now features 14 current active riders, among them eight Hall
of Fame members, including all-time leader Russell Baze.

For win 5,000, Bravo sat patiently aboard Boss Man before finding clear run
near the eighth pole and kicking away to a decisive three-length score.

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