Hall of Fame jockey Robby Albarado dies at 52

Hall of Fame jockey Robby Albarado, a two-time Preakness Stakes winner and one of the most accomplished riders of his generation, has died at age 52. Albarado died in Saratoga Springs, New York, on August 4, following complications from a recent heart procedure.

The jockey had undergone surgery last week to insert a stent to alleviate a blockage near his heart. He had been discharged from the hospital and was convalescing at the home of trainer Kenny McPeek, for whom he had worked as an exercise rider since retiring from race riding. Churchill Downs officials confirmed the death after being notified by multiple family members and friends.

Albarado’s career spanned more than three decades, during which he recorded 5,222 victories, ranking him 26th all-time, and his mounts earned over $221 million. A native of Lafayette, Louisiana, he began riding on Louisiana’s bush tracks before turning professional, eventually competing in more than 34,000 races.

He became a fixture at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, where he recorded 1,192 wins, ranking fourth on the track’s all-time list. Churchill Downs President Mike Anderson said the track was saddened by the devastating loss and...