LOS ALAMITOS : One-Two Punch by Garcia Gives Him Victory No. 1,000

Jockey Eddie Garcia began Friday night’s program only two victories shy of his 1,000th quarter horse victory at Los Alamitos. He didn’t waste any time reaching the milestone.

Garcia, 29, won the first and second races of the program aboard Callies Fantasy and Blushabye to become the ninth jockey in Los Alamitos history to win 1,000 quarter horse races. Blushabye broke awkwardly, but quickly took the lead and won by one length.

Garcia is having his best season since coming to the United States from Mexico in 1984. Earlier this year, he won the All American Futurity aboard A Classic Dash and leads jockey standings at Los Alamitos by more than 35 races.

“I looked in the program (Friday night) and thought I had a good chance,” Garcia said. “After I won the first, I said, ‘I’m on my way.’ This was my dream to win at this racetrack.”

Danny Cardoza is the leading rider in Los Alamitos history with 2,528 victories. Others with more than 1,000 are Kenny Hart, John Creager, Robert Adair, Steve Treasure, Terry Lipham, Kip Didericksen and John Ward.