Like all young riders getting their starts, jockey Luis Saez was filled with dreams and possibilities upon his graduation from the Laffit Pincay Jr. Technical Jockey Training Academy in Panama. However, he learned very quick just how difficult being a rider would be.
Those early pains are what made Aug. 22 all the more special for Saez as he entered a North American winner's circle for the 4,000th time after winning the second race at Saratoga Race Course aboard Rothschild.
Celebrating his 4,000th winner, the now 34-year-old Saez took a moment to reflect on that hard beginning in Panama.
"I remember it was pretty tough," Saez said. "I came out of the jockey school, and everybody won at that time. I took like three months to win my first race. It was pretty difficult, but after I win that, thank God I'm here.
"To win 4,000 races is something that I never expected."
Saez has gone on to rack up an already illustrious career since moving to the United States in 2009 and earning his first North American victory aboard Fearless Honor at the now-defunct Calder Race Course in Florida. His 48 North American grade 1 victories include two triumphs in the Belmont Stakes (G1) in 2021 with Essential Quality and 2024 with Dornoch , and two Kentucky Oaks (G1) aboard Secret Oath in 2022 and Good Cheer in 2025. He also rode Essential Quality to victory in the 2020 Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) and, overseas, piloted Mystic Guide to win the 2021 Dubai World Cup (G1).
He showcased his talents in the milestone win Saturday while riding AJ Suited Racing Stable, Mark Blieden, and Taste of Victory Stables' Rothschild in an allowance optional claiming race for trainer Norm Casse. Taking the lead in the 1 3/8-mile turf contest, Saez was able to give the 5-year-old Uncle Mo gelding a breather down the backstretch. He then responded when two rivals took aim at him approaching the half-mile pole.
Saez kept Rothschild up in command despite pressure from Arkhipov and Flavien Prat throughout the far turn. He put that rival away at the eighth pole and had enough gas left to withstand Asbury Park's rally to win by a half-length in 2:15.61.
Jockey @luissaezpty enters the winner’s circle for the 4,000th time. pic.twitter.com/gdIWQDfYHe
— Sean Collins (@BH_SCollins) August 22, 2026
"I'm pretty grateful," Saez said of his milestone win. "It means a lot to me—hard work, and always up and down, on the road."
Saez gave extra thanks to his wife, Andrea, for her continued support, his family, and to his agent, retired trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, who took over his book in 2020 upon Richard DePass' retirement.
