5000th win

Louisiana native Gerard Melancon became the 37th jockey in North America to reach the milestone of 5,000 wins when his mount in the eighth race at Evangeline Downs Thursday night, Reposado (Shackleford), crossed the wire in front by 5 3/4 lengths. The first time he had visited the winner's circle as a rider at Evangeline Downs was 37 years ago. Melancon's first professional ride was at Delta Downs in 1984. He has since ridden in more than 31,900 races and earned nearly $88 million in purse money. He had recently...

Seven-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer Todd Pletcher notched his 5,000th career win Friday at Aqueduct when Microsecond (Micromanage) won the 7th race, a 1 1/16-mile allowance. The Mike Repole colorbearer won by three-quarters of a length under Kendrick Carmouche. Pletcher was not present for the win, as he was at Keeneland for the Breeders' Cup World Championships. Pletcher had entrants in five races at Keeneland Friday, including three Breeders' Cup races. Pletcher had won 11 Breeders' Cup races going into Friday's program, as well as winning 161 individual career Grade Is....