Churchill Downs Update: Camacho Fulfilling Dream Riding at Churchill Downs

Nov 15, 2024

Jockey Samuel Camacho Jr. has made a strong return to the Churchill Downs jockey colony, recording two wins through the first 13 days of the Fall Meet while securing mounts on several live contenders in Saturday’s Claiming Crown.

“It was always a dream of mine to come here and ride with the top jockeys in this colony,” Camacho said. “It’s something I’ve wanted since I was a kid. When I got the call to come to Churchill Downs, I didn’t think twice.”

A native of Venezuela, Camacho grew up aspiring to follow in the footsteps of his father, who was also a jockey.

“My dad was a jockey in Venezuela and I wanted to follow his footsteps,” Camacho said. “Being a jockey is in my blood, so it was an easy decision as a kid.”

On Saturday’s Claiming Crown program, Camacho is named on four horses trained by David Jacobson, including Laughing Boy in the featured race, the $200,000 Jewel.

“I’m enjoying Churchill Downs right now and the plan is to head to Oaklawn this winter,” Camacho said. “I’ll be following David (Jacobson) where he plans to send horses.”

Camacho was previously part of the Churchill Downs jockey colony in 2018 but did not record a win. From 2019-21, he rode 10 horses at Churchill Downs but it wasn’t until eight days ago that he earned his first victory beneath the Twin Spires aboard Quality Chic.

Churchill Downs will host the 26th Claiming Crown on Saturday, featuring eight starter allowance races with total purses of $1.1 million. The 11-race card begins at 1 p.m. (all times Eastern) with Claiming Crown races running from Race 4-11.

 

MUSICAL MISCHIEF RECORDS SHARP FIVE-FURLONG MOVE IN 1:00.40 – Stoneway Farm’s Musical Mischief, winner of the Fasig-Tipton Locust Grove Stakes (Grade II) two months ago, returned to the work tab Friday at Churchill Downs with a sharp five-furlong move in 1:00.40.

Trained by Michael McCarthy, the 4-year-old daughter of Into Mischief has four wins from 12 starts. After being considered for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (GI) in California, Musical Mischief remained at Churchill Downs, where she’s recorded six workouts since her victory in the Locust Grove.

According to McCarthy’s assistant, Justin Curran, Musical Mischief has been nominated for the $400,000 Falls City (GII) on Thanksgiving Day at Churchill Downs.

The full list of nominations for the Falls City will be released Friday afternoon.

 

DOWN THE STRETCH – Live racing resumed Friday at Churchill Downs for a nine-race card that had a first post of 1 p.m. The main track was listed as “good” following the second track renovation break at 9 a.m. but was expected to be “fast” by the opening race. The turf was labeled as “firm” with the temporary rail set in Lane 4 at 36 ft. …. Trainer Dallas Stewart began Friday one win away from 1,000-career victories. He had one entry in Race 4. … For more information about the Fall Meet, visit www.churchilldowns.com.