Two-time Preakness winning jockey Robby Albarado dies

Former jockey Robby Albarado, who won the Preakness Stakes on two occasions, has died. He was 52.

He died in his sleep at the home of trainer Kenny McPeek in the Saratoga Springs, N.Y., area, according to the Albany Times Union. McPeek posted a photo of a hospitalized but upbeat-looking Albarado on social media last week, saying a stent had been inserted to alleviate "100% blockage" of his heart.

Upon his release from the hospital, Albarado was staying with the McPeek family. He was discovered dead Tuesday morning after he didn't come to the table for coffee.

Although retired from racing, Albarado worked for McPeek as an exercise rider. The summer meet at Saratoga Race Course runs through Sept. 7.

The New York Racing Association said it will hold a moment of silence to honor Albarado following the fourth race on Wednesday at the track.

"It's been a tough day," McPeek said, per the Paulick Report. "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 retired from professional horse racing in 2021, one year after he rode the McPeek-trained Swiss Skydiver to glory at the Preakness. He also guided Curlin to Preakness and Breeders' Cup Classic victories in 2007 and worked with 2024 Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan.

"Saying goodbye to someone who left us too soon is extremely difficult," Churchill Downs Racetrack president Mike Anderson said. "The Churchill Downs family is saddened by this devastating loss and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and numerous friends."

Albarado ranks second in stakes wins (87) to Pat Day, while his 1,192 victories at Churchill Downs are fourth-best behind Day, Corey Lanerie and Calvin Borel.

In his career, he won 5,222 total races, or 15% of his 34,114 total mounts. He finished in the top three of 14,968 races, which calculates to 44%. Career earnings were $221.6 million.

--Field Level Media