Daniel Centeno, leading rider at Tampa Bay Downs, added five more victories to his total at the Oldsmar, Fla., track on Feb. 22.
“It’s a great day,” exclaimed Centeno. “I’ve won four races many times, but never five.”
The victory quintent ties for second place as the most wins on a single card at Tampa. Richard DePass set the record of seven wins on one program in 1980. Centeno tied Rick Luhr, Jorge Guerra, Herson Sanchez, Jesse Garcia and Joe Judice as jockeys that have booted home five winners in one day.
The 37-year-old native of Venezuela has now accrued 75 wins from 271 mounts through 50 days of racing at Tampa.
Centeno took home his first win aboard Gnightsweetdarlin ($3.40) in the fifth race for trainer Rick Slomkowski and owner Frank Calabrese. Centeno struck again a race later on the turf with Rubaiyat ($3.20), this time for trainer Christophe Clement and owner Peachtree Stable.
Centeno piloted Very Capo ($7.60) to a narrow victory in the eighth race for Midwest Thoroughbreds and trainer Jamie Ness. He booted home Tarva ($3.20), carrying the colors of Wilbur C. Milhouse for trainer Tom Proctor, one race later. His milestone day was completed with a triumph aboard Algazara ($10.20) in the 11th race nightcap. The Marias Mon filly is owned by Theresa Horky and Keith Shelansky and is trained by Brenda McCarthy.
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