Robby Albarado, leading Churchill Downs jockey, dies at 52
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 4, 2026, 8:58 PM
Last updated Aug 4, 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.
- 8:58 PMYahoo Sports — Robby 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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