 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
The weekend's racing commenced with an early start at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Saudi Arabia, where Junior Alvarado guided Senor Buscador in the prestigious US$20 million Saudi Cup.
Later in the day, at Oaklawn Park in Arkansas, Keith J. Asmussen rode Lemon Muffin to victory in the Gr.3 Honeybee Stakes. Both jockeys' triumphs resulted in a tie in the voting by a panel of racing experts for the title of Jockey of the Week for 19th February through 25th February.
This weekly accolade acknowledges jockeys' achievements and is awarded to members of the Jockeys' Guild, an organization representing over 1,050 active, retired, and permanently disabled jockeys in the United States.
Trainer Todd Fincher, based in New Mexico, enlisted Alvarado to ride Senor Buscador in the illustrious US$20 million Saudi Cup , the world's richest race. Alvarado had taken over the mount two races prior and had acquainted himself with the late-running style of the 6YO.
Departing from post position four in a field of 14, Alvarado guided Senor Buscador along the rail towards the rear while Saudi Crown led the pack into the final furlong. Senor Buscador unleashed a powerful surge down the homestretch, overtaking Saudi Crown and the eventual runner-up Ushba Tesoro right at the wire, setting a stakes-record final time of 1:49.50 for 1 1/8 miles.
“I always had faith in the horse and we just needed, not even luck, just a fair track and I knew we would get that today,” Alvarado said. "I’m very happy, very grateful for opportunities that come along.”
Across seven thousand miles and approximately five hours later, Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas enlisted Keith J. Asmussen to ride Lemon Muffin in the G3 Honeybee Stakes for 3YO fillies.
With only his second mount in a graded race, Asmussen and Lemon Muffin surged from sixth place to secure an impressive 3 1/2-length victory, completing the 1 1/16-mile race in 1:45.60. Starting at odds of 28-1, Lemon Muffin earned 50 points for the Gr.1 Kentucky Oaks and delivered Asmussen his inaugural career graded stakes triumph.
“She broke ultra-alert, settled comfortably in the first turn,” Asmussen said. “Down the backside, I had the biggest smile on my face because she was like a wave and she was begging me to push the button. When I turned her loose, she exploded.”
At 25YO, Asmussen embarked on his riding career in 2020, following in the footsteps of his father, Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen. With 88 victories and over $5.2 million in purse earnings thus far, he has shown remarkable promise. Achieving a personal best of four wins on February 16, he has also accomplished three-win days twice. Additionally, he is the elder sibling of Erik Asmussen, currently riding at Sam Houston.
Among the nominees for Jockey of the Week were Julien Leparoux, triumphant in the Gr.3 Razorback at Oaklawn, Jose L. Ortiz, who secured the most victories of the week with 11, and Cristian Torres, victor of the Gr.2 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn.