After the recent news of Hall of Fame jockey Edgar Prado's retirement, racing fans, friends and family gathered on a rainy afternoon at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, Ky., on July 15 to celebrate the native Peruvian's career and achievements.
Before a packed room, Old Friends president Michael Blowen, a longtime friend of Prado's, relived some of the jockey's best riding moments by playing video clips of Prado's 2002 Belmont Stakes (G1) victory aboard Sarava, the longest shot to ever win the Belmont Stakes at 70-1 odds.
After the showing of that great moment came footage of his 2004 Belmont victory aboard Birdstone where he denied heavy favorite Smarty Jones the Triple Crown.
"It was touching, you know, it was great memories," Prado said. "I was happy to see some people really enjoy those videos."
Watch: Prado Discusses Retirement, Plans to Spend Time With Family
While being able to relive some of the greatest memories in his illustrious career, Prado, 56, also gave some insight into his retirement.
"The decision that I took to retire was after Father's Day, saw my family and gathered together and then my birthday," Prado said. "For many years through my career I missed those two; I was just traveling, trying to provide for my family."
Prado also highlighted what the future might look like for him and his family, mentioning his desire to travel and spend time with his grandchildren.
In attendance Saturday were fellow Hall of Fame jockeys Chris McCarron and Sandy Hawley.
