Following a 35-year riding career that included more than 5,000 victories, jockey Corey Lanerie announced he will retire at the conclusion of the Churchill Downs spring meet June 28.
Lanerie, 51, will leave the sport with mounts that earned more than $172 million in prize money and at least 1,244 victories at Churchill Downs alone, second all time behind Hall of Famer Pat Day's 2,482 wins. As of June 11, his Thoroughbred win total of 5,151 career victories ranked him as the 34th-winningest North American jockey of all time.
"I've been fortunate to do this for more than 35 years and make a living doing something I truly love," Lanerie said. "When I started riding as a kid in Louisiana, I never dreamed I'd win more than 5,000 races or have the opportunities I've had. I'm so grateful for everyone who's helped me get where I am today."
A native of Lafayette, La., Lanerie recorded his first career victory April 19, 1991, at Evangeline Downs aboard High Hopes Banquet for trainer Charles "CD" Delahoussaye. He went on to establish himself as one of the sport's most successful riders, winning riding titles at Churchill Downs, Ellis Park, Lone Star Park, Retama Park, and Sam Houston Race Park.
One of Lanerie's most notable accomplishments came in April 2023 at Keeneland when he won his 5,000th career race, a milestone achieved by only 39 riders in North America.
He also found success in many of racing's biggest races. His seven grade 1 victories include three editions of the Ashland Stakes at Keeneland with Hooh Why (2009), Weep No More (2016), and Sailor's Valentine (2017). His best Kentucky Derby (G1) finish came aboard Lookin At Lee , who rallied along the rail to finish second in 2017. The year before, he guided Cherry Wine to a runner-up finish in the Preakness Stakes (G1).
Lanerie's fearless rail-riding ways mirrored those of fellow Cajun rider and Hall of Famer Calvin Borel.
One of Lanerie's best years came in 2017, when he was ranked 15th in earnings and 10th by wins. This year, he is 1-10-14 from 71 mounts.
He experienced heartache in 2018 when his wife, Shantel, died from sepsis after a battle with cancer. Their daughter, Brittlyn, is now a teenager.
At Churchill Downs, Lanerie became one of the best jockeys to ever ride beneath the historic twin spires. Since his first win there aboard Embraceable Nov. 21, 2000, for trainer Mike Stidham, he went on to win 19 leading rider titles, second behind Day's 34. He also won some of the track's most prestigious races, including the 2020 Derby City Distaff Stakes (G1) aboard Bell's the One, who also ran third in that year's Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1) under Lanerie. He also scored in the 2015 La Troienne Stakes (G1) aboard Molly Morgan.
"Churchill Downs became a second home for me," Lanerie said. "To spend so much of my career there and accomplish what I did means a lot. There are so many trainers, owners, agents, and fans who supported me through the years, and I can't thank them enough.
"The hardest part is walking away from the competition because I still love riding," Lanerie continued. "I feel like this is the right time. I'm looking forward to spending more time with my family. Racing has given me a wonderful life and I'll always be thankful for that. I'm not sure exactly what the future holds, but I'm looking forward to the next chapter."
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
