Churchill Downs News Release: Leparoux Achieves Milestone 3,000th Career Victory on Thanksgiving Day at Churchill Downs

Nov 28, 2024

Julien Leparoux, a veteran leader in the Churchill Downs jockey colony and two-time Eclipse Award winner, reached an extraordinary milestone Thursday with his 3,000th career win aboard Pike Place in Race 3.

Leparoux, 41, has been a constant presence in the winner’s circle since launching his career in 2005. Raised in Chantilly, France, Leparoux’s passion for horses led him to Southern California in 2003, where he began as an exercise rider for trainer Patrick Biancone. His talent in the saddle quickly became evident and he transitioned to race riding, earning the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey in 2006. He later became one of only four riders to also receive the Eclipse as Outstanding Jockey, claiming the honor in 2009.

“I’m very thankful that my family could be here with me today for this,” Leparoux said. “It took awhile to get it done but I’m very happy I was able to do it today. Churchill Downs and Kentucky have been such a big part of my career and it was great to do it at home.”

Leparoux’s illustrious career includes seven Breeders’ Cup victories, highlighted by triumphs aboard such notable champions as Tepin, Classic Empire and Forever Together. His international acclaim soared in 2016 when he guided Tepin to victory in the prestigious Queen Anne Stakes (GI) at Royal Ascot.

In addition to his Breeders’ Cup accolades, Leparoux has achieved 271 graded stakes victories while amassing earnings $199 million.