Robby Albarado, a former jockey with notable achievements in horse racing, has died at the age of 52. Albarado was well known for his victories in the Preakness Stakes twice during his distinguished career.

A spokesperson for Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, announced that the racing community was informed of Albarado’s passing by his friends and family. Prior to his death, Albarado was hospitalized to undergo a procedure to insert a stent due to a blockage near his heart. This information was shared by trainer Kenny McPeek, for whom Albarado worked as an exercise rider.

Mike Anderson, the president of Churchill Downs, remarked on Albarado’s passing by stating, “Saying goodbye to someone who left us too soon is extremely difficult. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and numerous friends.”

Albarado gained fame for riding the horse Curlin to victories in the Preakness Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Classic in 2007. Additionally, he rode Swiss Skydiver to win the second leg of the Triple Crown in 2020. Over his career, Albarado secured two other Breeders’ Cup victories, contributing to his impressive total of 5,222 wins.

After retiring in 2022, Albarado continued his involvement in the horse racing industry by working for Kenny McPeek, who trained Swiss Skydiver.

Albarado was originally from Lafayette, Louisiana. His introduction to riding began at bush tracks before he became a professional jockey, participating in over 34,000 races and accumulating earnings of more than $221 million throughout his career.