Jockey Fires Joins the 6,000-Win Club

Earlie Fires became the 13th jockey in the history of thoroughbred racing to reach 6,000 victories when he guided Barkenlor Cat to a win in Wednesday’s third race at Hawthorne Race Course.

“It feels great,” Fires, 51, said. “I still enjoy what I’m doing, so we’ll keep on trying.”

Fires also won the sixth race aboard Top Class to give him 6,001, including the Hawthorne career record of 1,036.

Johnny Longden is next on the career list with 6,032.