SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — Former jockey Robby Albarado, a multiple Grade 1 winner whose career included memorable victories aboard champion Curlin and more than 5,000 wins overall, has died at the age of 52, according to trainer Kenny McPeek and tributes issued by leading figures in U.S. Thoroughbred racing.
McPeek said Albarado died in his sleep while staying at the trainer's home in Saratoga Springs, New York, where he had been recuperating after undergoing a heart procedure last week. McPeek told the Daily Racing Form that Albarado had recently received a stent to treat a heart blockage and had been discharged from the hospital before his death.
"Not only did we work together, we were close friends," McPeek said, describing Albarado as a "world-class horseman" and recalling their long association on and off the racetrack.
Born in Lafayette, Louisiana, Albarado began riding professionally in 1990 before establishing himself as one of the leading jockeys on the Kentucky circuit after moving there in the mid-1990s. During a career spanning more than three decades, he recorded 5,222 victories, including about 40 Grade 1 successes, and earned more than $200 million in purse money, according to racing records.
Albarado was best known for his partnership with Curlin, guiding the Hall of Fame colt to victories in the 2007 Preakness Stakes, the 2007 Breeders' Cup Classic and the 2008 Dubai World Cup during a period in which Curlin was named American Horse of the Year in consecutive seasons. He also won the 2011 Breeders' Cup Mile aboard Court Vision and returned to the Preakness winner's circle in 2020 aboard Swiss Skydiver for McPeek.
Trainer Dale Romans, who campaigned several top horses with Albarado, said he was devastated by the loss.
"We shared great victories and unforgettable moments, but above all, he was family," Romans said. "He was hard-working, talented at what he did, was always upbeat, a good man to be around."
Following his retirement from race riding at the end of 2021, Albarado remained active in the sport as an exercise rider for McPeek's stable. The Breeders' Cup organization also paid tribute, calling him "a gifted horseman and fierce competitor" whose achievements left a lasting mark on Thoroughbred racing.
