Retired jockey Robby Albarado, a two-time Preakness Stakes winner who rode more than 5,000 winners during a career spanning three decades, has died. He was 52.
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Albarado died in his sleep while staying at trainer Kenny McPeek's home in Saratoga, New York, according to the Daily Racing Form. He had undergone a procedure at Saratoga Hospital on July 30 to have stents inserted to address a blockage near his heart and had been recovering after his release.
McPeek said his wife found Albarado unresponsive Tuesday morning.
A native of Lafayette, Louisiana, Albarado began riding professionally in 1990 and became one of the sport's most accomplished jockeys. He finished his career with 5,222 victories and more than $221 million in purse earnings.
Albarado was perhaps best known as the regular rider of Curlin, guiding the two-time Horse of the Year to 10 victories in 15 starts. Their biggest wins included the 2007 Preakness and Breeders' Cup Classic and the 2008 Dubai World Cup.
He returned to the Preakness winner's circle in 2020 aboard Swiss Skydiver, defeating Kentucky Derby winner Authentic in a memorable stretch duel.
After retiring from racing, Albarado continued working with McPeek as an exercise rider and helped develop several prominent horses, including 2024 Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan.
"Not only did we work together, we were close friends," McPeek told the Daily Racing Form. "World-class horseman. Great friend."
Albarado won 40 Grade 1 stakes during his career and captured two riding titles at Churchill Downs. His 87 stakes victories at the track rank second all-time behind Pat Day.
He is survived by five children. Funeral arrangements were pending.
