Jockey Robby Albarado dies at 52

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Robby Albarado, one of the most accomplished jockeys in the history of Keeneland and Churchill Downs, has died. He was 52 years old.

Thoroughbred racehorse trainer Kenny McPeek said he was with Albarado the morning before he was hospitalized.

“He was out Thursday morning, we rode in together from the house, rode back home — me, him and my dog Sunny — and we thought he was fine, and by noon he was in the hospital with his first heart attack,” McPeek said. “Just a really tough deal.”

A career defined by wins

McPeek and Albarado worked together as a team beginning in the 1990s.

“I kind of considered him as a kid brother or a son to some extent,” McPeek said. “He was a special part of our team. He brought a lot of energy, and there wasn’t anybody better on a racehorse than Robby Albarado. He could handle any horse you put him on, anytime.”

Throughout his career, Albarado recorded more than 5,000 wins. He is the third-leading jockey at Keeneland with more than 500 wins and fourth all-time at Churchill Downs with more than 1,100 victories. His career highlights include two Preakness Stakes wins, a Dubai World Cup title and 40 Grade 1 race victories.

Industry mourns his loss

Albarado served on the Jockeys’ Guild board for several years. Terry Meyocks, president and CEO of the Jockeys’ Guild, said the loss was deeply felt across the industry.

“Robby Albarado was special in so many ways — as a jockey, as a father — and we are just heartbroken,” Meyocks said.

Meyocks described Albarado as one of a kind.

“Robby Albarado was so respected within our industry as a person, for his talents,” Meyocks said.

Contributions until the end

Albarado continued contributing to McPeek’s stable until his final days. He helped McPeek win the Saratoga Special in upstate New York.

“We won a graded stakes Saturday with a horse named Twinkle Town, and that was the horse that Robby got on all spring and summer,” McPeek said.

Albarado also helped prepare Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan and Kentucky Oaks winner Thorpedo Anna for McPeek’s barn.