Laffit Alejandro Pincay Jr. retired from professional horse racing in April 2003 holding the record for the most career wins, having secured 9,530 victories. Born on December 29, 1946, in Panama City, he built his reputation primarily on American racetracks after arriving under the sponsorship of Fred W. Hooper and agent Camilo Marin in 1966.
Early Career and American Arrival
Pincay gained his initial exposure to the sport by observing his father, who worked as a jockey in Panama and Venezuela. Following his 1966 move to the United States, he debuted at Arlington Park in Chicago, where he won eight of his first eleven races. By 1968, his rapid ascent in the sport was marked by a rare achievement at Hollywood Park, where he became only the second rider in the track's history to win six races on a single card.
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In 1973, Pincay partnered with the horse Sham, achieving victories in the Santa Anita Derby and placing second in both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes behind Secretariat. During the 1984 Triple Crown season, Pincay secured wins in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes aboard the horse Swale. This performance marked his third consecutive victory in the Belmont Stakes, following wins on Conquistador Cielo in 1982 and Caveat in 1983.
Records and Professional Recognition
On December 10, 1999, Pincay surpassed the career win record previously held by Bill Shoemaker, reaching 8,834 wins aboard Irish Nip at Hollywood Park. His achievements earned him induction into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1975. Beyond his win total, he was honored with the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award in 1970, the Mike Venezia Memorial Award in 1996, and five Eclipse Awards for Outstanding Jockey. In 2004, Hollywood Park Racetrack established the Laffit Pincay Jr. Award to honor his legacy.
Fast facts
- Born: December 29, 1946, Panama City
- Retirement date: April 2003
- Total career wins: 9,530
- Hall of Fame induction: 1975
- Residence: Arcadia, CA
- Record for Hollywood Gold Cup wins: 9
- First American track: Arlington Park
- Nationality: United States
Questions readers ask
How many times did Laffit Pincay Jr. win the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey?
He won the award five times.
Who did Pincay surpass to become the winningest jockey in 1999?
He broke the record previously held by Bill Shoemaker.
