Legendary jockey tragically dies aged 52 just days after heart surgery

SportHorse Racing THE legendary American jockey Robby Albarado has died at the age of 52, just days after having heart surgery. Albarado, who retired from the saddle at the end of 2021 after a glittering career, had a stent inserted to clear a blockage near his heart on July 30 and was discharged from hospital. Robby Albarado has died, just days after heart surgery Credit: AP Albarado rode Curlin (left) to seven Grade 1 wins Credit: AP:Associated Press He had still been riding out for Kenny McPeek in recent years and was found dead on Tuesday morning by the trainer’s wife at their house in Saratoga. McPeek told Daily Racing Form: “We had him here at the house, he was just resting, best we can figure he died in his sleep last night between 8pm and this morning. Sherri found him upstairs at 11.30am. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! “Not only did we work together, we were close friends. Probably the highest moment was when we won the Preakness with Swiss Skydiver. World-class horseman. Great friend.” Albarado rode 5,222 career winners, of which 40 were at Grade 1 level, with 1,192 during a five year stint at Churchill Downs in Kentucky. He began riding at the age of 12 in his home state of Louisiana and rode his first winner in 1990. He moved to the Kentucky circuit in 1996 and won numerous riding titles. He was most famous for his association with the great US champion Curlin, who won the Preakness Stakes, Breeders’ Cup Classic and Dubai World Cup during a golden spell between 2007 and 2008. His other big wins included the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Mile on Court Vision for Kentucky trainer Dale Romans, and he amassed more than $200 million in prize-money during his career. Romans told Paulick Report: “Just devastated by the loss of Robby Albarado. Most read in Horse Racing “We shared great victories and unforgettable moments, but above all, he was family. Our hearts and prayers are with his children and everyone who loved him. “He was my main rider for a long time. He was a good friend to his friends, including me. “He was hard-working, talented at what he did, was always upbeat, a good man to be around. He texted me Sunday saying ‘I feel like a new person,’ with a muscle emoji.” Comment now