Robby Albarado, a prominent jockey known for his successes in American thoroughbred racing, has died at the age of 52. Churchill Downs officials in Louisville, Kentucky, were informed of Albarado’s passing by multiple friends and family members.

Albarado had recently been hospitalized to undergo a procedure to insert a stent aimed at relieving a blockage near his heart, according to trainer Kenny McPeek, who employed him as an exercise rider.

Churchill Downs president Mike Anderson expressed condolences, noting the difficulty of losing someone at a relatively young age and extended sympathy to Albarado’s family and friends.

Born in Lafayette, Louisiana, Albarado began his riding career on bush tracks before advancing to professional ranks. Over more than three decades, he competed in more than 34,000 races and amassed earnings exceeding $221 million.

Among Albarado’s notable achievements were his two Preakness Stakes victories. In 2007, he rode Curlin to victories in both the Preakness and the Breeders’ Cup Classic. More recently, in 2020, he rode the filly Swiss Skydiver to a Preakness win, the second leg of the Triple Crown. He also claimed two additional Breeders’ Cup wins throughout his career.

Albarado’s 5,222 career wins place him among the most successful jockeys in the sport, reflecting his longevity and skill at the highest levels of horse racing.