1,000th win at Arlington for Catalano
Veteran trainer Wayne Catalano recorded his 1,000th victory at Arlington International Racecourse on Thursday, track officials announced.
Royal Alluvial earned a five-length victory in the day's second race for Catalano, an 11-time training champion at the Arlington Heights track. Catalano earned Arlington win No. 999 when first-time starter Bella Ranger took the opener.
"I've ridden a lot of winners for Wayne," said jockey E.T. Baird who rode the milestone winner. "Winning 1,000 at one track is a milestone that few trainers ever see. I want to congratulate him."
Catalano, who is second to the now-retired Richard Hazelton (1,181) in Arlington's all-time trainer standings, remains hospitalized with pneumonia. Longtime assistant Fernando Canteria accepted congratulations from members of Arlington's management team.
According to a news release provided by track officials, a sign commemorating the milestone was being signed by Arlington staff and will be delivered to Catalano at Saint Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates.