Midlantic-based rider Sheldon Russell secured the 1,500th win of his career when he captured Pimlico Race Course's $100,000 Alma North S. with 1-9 favorite Hello Beautiful (Golden Lad) Saturday. The 4-year-old filly, who is owned by Madaket Stables, Albert Frassetto, Mark Parkinson, K-Mac Stables, and Magic City Stables, is trained by Russell's wife, Brittany.
“I'm just very happy that we got it out of the way, and for it to happen on Hello Beautiful,” said Russell. “She's been a great filly throughout my career, she's given me some great wins. She was mine and Brittany's first stakes winner together, so for me to reach a milestone on one of our favorite fillies, it's something I'll never forget.”
Russell teamed with his agent, Marty Leonard, to give Luis Barajas, Hello Beautiful's groom, $1,500 to celebrate the milestone. He had done the same–gifting $1,000 to his mount's groom–when he notched the 1,000th win of his career in 2015.
Maryland's overall leading rider in 2011, Russell has won eight career meet titles. He currently ranks second to fellow rider Charlie Marquez for Maryland's most wins in 2021. Russell and his wife have a toddler daughter and are expecting a second child later this year.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
