Legendary trainer leads tributes to famous jockey who died just days after heart surgery

LEADING American trainer Kenny McPeek has paid tribute to the late Robby Albarado, saying: “He should be in the Hall of Fame.”

Albarado, who retired from the saddle at the end of 2021 after a glittering career, died on Tuesday just days after having a stent inserted to clear a blockage near his heart on July 30.

He had still been riding out for Kenny McPeek in recent years and was found dead on Tuesday morning by the trainer’s wife at their house in Saratoga.

McPeek told Daily Racing Form: “We had him here at the house, he was just resting, best we can figure he died in his sleep last night between 8pm and this morning. Sherri found him upstairs at 11.30am.

“Not only did we work together, we were close friends. Probably the highest moment was when we won the Preakness with Swiss Skydiver.

“Robby was a great friend, and there was nobody better on a horse than Robby Albarado. He needs to be in the Hall of Fame.”

Albarado enjoyed a great deal of success at Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucy Derby, riding nearly 1,200 winners there.

Churchill Downs president Mike Anderson said in a statement: “Saying goodbye to someone who left us too soon is extremely difficult.

“The Churchill Downs family is saddened by this devastating loss and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and numerous friends.”

Terry Meyocks, president of the US Jockeys’ Guild, said: “On behalf of the Jockeys’ Guild and all of our members, we are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of our friend and fellow jockey Robby Albarado.

“He was a valued member of the Guild Board and Senate, always advocating for the well-being of all jockeys. We extend our condolences and our hearts go out to all of his children, family members, and those who loved him during this unimaginably difficult time.”

Sun columnist and ITV Racing presenter Matt Chapman posted on X: “So sad to hear of the passing of a legend in Robby Albarado. A wonderful talent.

“5000+ winners. The rider of Curlin. Genius on a horse at the Breeders’ Cup. Enjoyed my chats with him.”

Albarado rode 5,222 career winners, of which 40 were at Grade 1 level, with 1,192 during a five year stint at Churchill Downs in Kentucky.

He began riding at the age of 12 in his home state of Louisiana and rode his first winner in 1990. He moved to the Kentucky circuit in 1996 and won numerous riding titles.

He was most famous for his association with the great US champion Curlin, who won the Preakness Stakes, Breeders’ Cup Classic and Dubai World Cup during a golden spell between 2007 and 2008.

His other big wins included the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Mile on Court Vision for Kentucky trainer Dale Romans, and he amassed more than $200 million in prize-money during his career.