Robby Albarado, leading Churchill Downs jockey, dies at 52
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 6, 2026, 7:28 AM
Last updated Aug 6, 2026
Robby Albarado, a prominent jockey at Churchill Downs and a winner of 5,222 races, died at age 52 following heart surgery on July 30. Albarado, known for his achievements including the Preakness Stakes and Breeders' Cup victories, had undergone surgery to address a significant heart blockage. His career spanned nearly 35,000 races, and he was regarded as one of the top jockeys in Churchill Downs' history, finishing third among all-time riders. Following his retirement in 2021, he worked as an exercise rider for trainer Kenny McPeek. Churchill Downs officials expressed condolences over his passing.
- •Albarado won the Preakness Stakes in 2007 and 2020.
- •He achieved 87 stakes wins at Churchill Downs, the second most all-time.
- •His career was marred by legal troubles, including domestic assault charges.
- •Albarado transitioned to an exercise rider after retiring in 2021.
- •He was known for his work with notable horses like Curlin and Swiss Skydiver.
- 7:28 AMYahoo Sports — Hall of Fame Jockey Robby Albarado Dies at 52 Following Heart Complications
- 10:59 PMYahoo Sports — Two-time Preakness-winning jockey Robby Albarado dies at 52
- 8:58 PMYahoo Sports — Robby Albarado, who won 1,192 races as Churchill Downs jockey, dies
"Former jockey Robby Albarado, who won the Preakness twice during his lengthy riding career in the top tier of the sport, has died. A spokesperson for Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, said the track was informed of Albarado's death by multiple friends and family members. Albarado was hospitalized in recent days for a procedure to insert a stent to alleviate a blockage near his heart, according to trainer Kenny McPeek, who employed Albarado as an exercise rider.
"The horse racing world is mourning the loss of accomplished jockey Robby Albarado, whose career included more than 5,200 victories, two Preakness Stakes wins and partnerships with some of the sport's greatest horses.
"Standout Churchill Downs jockey Robby Albarado, who competed in nearly 35,000 career races and won more than 5,200, has died at 52.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 6, 2026, 7:28 AMHall of Fame Jockey Robby Albarado Dies at 52 Following Heart Complications
The horse racing world is mourning the loss of accomplished jockey Robby Albarado, whose career included more than 5,200 victories, two Preakness Stakes wins and partnerships with some of the sport's greatest horses.
- Yahoo SportsAug 4, 2026, 10:59 PMTwo-time Preakness-winning jockey Robby Albarado dies at 52
Former jockey Robby Albarado, who won the Preakness twice during his lengthy riding career in the top tier of the sport, has died. A spokesperson for Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, said the track was informed of Albarado's death by multiple friends and family members. Albarado was hospitalized in recent days for a procedure to insert a stent to alleviate a blockage near his heart, according to trainer Kenny McPeek, who employed Albarado as an exercise rider.
- Yahoo SportsAug 4, 2026, 8:58 PMRobby Albarado, who won 1,192 races as Churchill Downs jockey, dies
Standout Churchill Downs jockey Robby Albarado, who competed in nearly 35,000 career races and won more than 5,200, has died at 52.
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