Robby Albarado dead at 52: Legendary jockey who won more than 5,000 races passes away as tributes pour in

LEGENDARY jockey Robby Albarado has passed away at the age of 52 following a heart procedure. He was best known for riding legendary horse Curlin, who was voted American Horse of the Year two years running, in 2007 and 2008. Robby Albarado has passed away at 52 Credit: AP The iconic jockey’s death has sent the racing world into mourning Credit: Alamy Albarado underwent surgery and had a stent placed last week to treat a blockage near his heart. He had reportedly been discharged from the hospital at the time of his death on Tuesday, but further details are unknown. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! The Louisiana-born jockey rode more than 5,000 winners during his glittering career, putting him in the company of just 31 other riders to do so. He became iconic for partnering Curlin to multiple Grade 1 successes, most notably the 2007 Preakness Stakes and the Breeders’ Cup Classic in the same year. READ MORE IN HORSE RACING Albarado also rode the two-time American Horse of the Year to victory in the Dubai World Cup the following year. But Curlin was far from Albarado’s only success story in the game, he returned to the Preakness Stakes winners enclosure in 2020, following victory aboard the Kenneth McPeek-trained Swiss Skydiver. After calling time on his career in the saddle the following year, Albarado worked as an exercise rider for McPeek. Aside from the Triple Crown successes, Albarado also has three Breeders’ Cup victories on his sparkling CV. Most read in Sport Albarado was known for partnering Curlin (left) to multiple Grade 1 successes Credit: AP:Associated Press The tributes have poured in for Albarado Credit: AP After best pal Curlin gave him his first taste of Breeders’ Cup success in none other than the Classic over 1m2f, Albarado went on to win two more, in 2009 and 2011. He tasted success in the Juvenile Fillies Turf in 2009 aboard three-time Grade 1 winner Tapitsfly, trained by Dale Romans. But his third Breeders’ Cup success might have been the sweetest, as he rode for Dale Romans once again in the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Mile. Albarado steered the outsider of the field, Court Vision, who traded at a price of 60-1 before the off, to a remarkable victory. After the death of the iconic jockey, Romans said: “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.” Before adding: “To pick out one race he rode for me, Court Vision would be the one. He got up by a nose. He told me the week before, working him on the turf, that he’d never been better and he could win this race. “And he won the Breeders’ Cup Mile at 60-1. Got up by a whisker. He had a great opinion of a horse.” Additionally, the Breeders’ Cup paid tribute: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of Robby Albarado, whose unforgettable victory aboard Curlin in the 2007 Breeders’ Cup Classic remains a defining moment in Breeders’ Cup history. “A gifted horseman and fierce competitor, he dedicated his life to thoroughbred racing and left a lasting mark on the sport. Our heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, and members of the racing community who are mourning his loss.” Comment now