SHAKOPEE, MN –
Jockey Alonso Quinones reaches a career milestone on Saturday night aboard Magic Castle. The win gave Quinones his 1000th career victory. The win also gave owner Bob Lothenbach and trainer Joel Berndt their third wins of the night.
The race became a two-horse race down the lane with Happy Hour Bobby clinging to a short lead over Q and the pair never gave up and ground away to secure the victory late.
“I kept asking and he just kept giving me more and more,” said Quinones. “I’m really glad I won my 1000th here. It’s a special place. The people love the sport and get really excited.”
Quinones brother, Luis, is a Canterbury Park Hall of Famer.
Track analysts Kevin Gorg asked Quinones to reflect back on his career.
“I just try to be consistent and get better and better,” he said. “I look back at that first win and I was so green. I didn’t even know what I was doing.”
Quinones’ mounts have earned more than $32.8 million in purses in 9,378 starts. Among the 39-year-old jockey’s 1000 wins are 11 graded stakes winners.
