Jockey Bios

Top Jockeys at Golden Gate Fields

Frank Alvarado

Frank Alvarado

Became the first Bay Area-based jockey to win a $1 million race when he guided McCann’s Mojave to a 33-to-1 shocker in the 2007 Sunshine Millions Classic at Gulfstream Park.   

Had  2,752 career victories through Aug. 16, 2012.

Has been the second-leading jockey at Golden Gate Fields six times – at the 2009 Fall/Winter meeting, 2008-2009 Winter/Spring, 2008 Fall, 2008 Spring, 2007-2008 Winter, and 2004-2005 Winter.  

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Russell Baze

Russell Baze

Inducted into Thoroughbred Racing’s Hall of Fame in 1999.

Inducted into Canada’s Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2012.

North America’s winningest jockey, Baze had 11,704 career victories through Sept. 19, 2012.

Overtook the great Laffit Pincay, Jr. as the winningest jockey in North American thoroughbred racing history when he recorded career victory No. 9,531 aboard Butterfly Belle in the fourth race at Bay Meadows on Dec. 1, 2006.  Pincay was forced into retirement by injuries in 2003 with 9,530 wins.

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Julien Couton

Julien Couton

Was the second-leading rider at the 2012 summer meeting at Golden Gate Fields.  Won 24 races during the 17-day summer meeting to finish second to Russell Baze, who recorded four victories on closing day and won the title with 27 victories.

Strong showing at GGF summer meeting followed his successful campaign on the summer fair circuit, where he won three stakes – the California State Fair Sprint Handicap at Sacramento with Indian Gracey, the Horsemen Of The Year Stakes at Santa Rosa with Irish-bred She Spirit di Su at Santa Rosa, and the Jess Jackson Owner’s Handicap with Shudacudawudya at Santa Rosa.

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Francisco Duran

Francisco Duran

Had 1,253 career victories through August 16, 2012.

Has ranked among the top 10 jockeys at the past five Golden Gate Fields meetings.

Finished third in the jockey standings at the 2010-2011 winter/spring meeting at Golden Gate Fields with 68 victories.

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