Jockey Jozbin “J.Z.” Santana notched
the 1,000th victory of his career when he guided James DiVito, Vince
Swartz & Joe Paglini’s Clocker Bob to a four-length win for trainer DiVito
in the seventh race Friday at Arlington
Park.
Earlier in the day, Castanon picked up
win No. 998 aboard Ron Magers, Roe Conn, Robert Marcocchio & Russell
Scurto’s Third Chance, also trained by DiVito, in the first race and tallied
No. 999 astride Robert Heckmann’s Hot Kitten in the sixth race for trainer
Michele Boyce.
Santana was joined in the winner’s
circle by agent Penny Ffitch-Heyes, Arlington
officials and his fellow riders as a video played saluting the milestone score
as well as highlights of his career since coming to Chicago
to ride last year.
“I’m very happy and I want to give all
the glory to God,” Santana said. “I thank everybody here in Chicago
that has been treating me very good and giving me live mounts. I
appreciate everything that everyone has done for me.”
A 32-year-old native of Rio Piedras, Puerto
Rico, Santana became the father of a baby girl named Joshinelli
born Monday on the Fourth of July. Currently leading the standings at Arlington,
he also tied for leading rider honors at Hawthorne Race Course this spring.