Keeneland next stop for Lopez

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Oceanport, NJ (Sports Network) - Following his successful 2012 meeting at Monmouth Park, jockey Paco Lopez will head to Kentucky to ride at the state's two leading racetracks.

"We're going to try something new," said Lopez about going to Keeneland and Churchill Downs. "It's always exciting when it's the first time. I hope to do really good and maybe we can get lucky."

Lopez had planned to ride in the Bluegrass State last year, however, a broken collar bone suffered in a spill at Gulfstream Park derailed those plans.

Lopez, the 2008 Eclipse Award winner as Outstanding Apprentice Jockey, has had a very successful summer at Monmouth Park. Represented by jockey agent Corey Moran, the native of Mexico has won a track leading 10 stakes.

"We're very happy with the meet, that's for sure," said Lopez. "Business is good."

This year saw the jockey go past the 1,000 mark in career victories and has earned more than $29 million from better than 5,300 mounts. Lopez has won 128 races in 2012 with earnings in excess of $4.2 million.