Multiple graded stakes winning jockey Edwin Gonzalez earned his 2,000th career victory July 20 aboard Bobby Bob in the sixth race at Gulfstream Park. Gonzalez, a 34-year-old native of Puerto Rico, rallied the son of Constitution four-wide in the stretch to get up late and win by three-quarters of a length for trainer Antonio Sano.
"I'm feeling amazing. It's been a long road to get here. It was a special moment crossing the wire," Gonzalez said. "I came here (to the United States) alone and kept working hard. I'm going to keep working 24-7."
A successful jockey in Puerto Rico, he relocated to the U.S., starting at Penn National in 2013, where he quickly rose to the top. After win No. 1,000, he moved his tack to Gulfstream Park in 2021. Last fall, he won his first riding title at Gulfstream during the Sunshine Meet over defending champion Edgard Zayas.
"I've been riding better horses for better trainers. They gave me the opportunity to keep going," said Gonzalez, whose mounts have earned more than $41.5 million in purses. "I've been working hard. I've been given the opportunity to ride good horses. I thank all the trainers that support me."
His most notable mounts include 2017 Arlington Handicap (G3) winner Ghost Hunter; Shifty She, winner of the 2021 Noble Damsel Stakes (G3); and multiple graded stakes winner Skippylongstocking, whom he rode to victory in the 2022 West Virginia Derby (G3).
