Red Vine wins Monmouth feature, Bravo rides 5,000th winner

OCEANPORT, N.J. (AP) After riding his 5,000th career winner earlier on the card, Joe Bravo guided Red Vine to a two-length victory over Valid in the $75,000 Majestic Light Stakes at Monmouth Park on Saturday.

Red Vine covered the mile and 70 yards in 1:40 2/5 and returned $3.80, $2.40 and $2.10 as the odds-on favorite in the field of five colts and geldings. It was the ffith win in 16 career starts for the 5-year-old horse.

Valid paid $3 and $2.10. It was another eight lengths back to Souper Lucky, who paid $2.40 to show.

''I had a beautiful trip,'' said the 43-year-old Bravo, who won the sixth race with Boss Man for his 5,000th win. ''Christophe (Clement) told me this morning to just guide the horse into a good position and he will do the rest. All I had to do was be a passenger and the horse answered the call when I asked. He keeps on improving with each start.''

Bravo is the 31st jockey to win 5,000 races.

''I want to thank all the people that were there when I wasn't doing this good,'' said Bravo, who was born just a few miles from Monmouth Park in Long Branch. ''I've been extremely fortunate in my career and to get today's win right here at Monmouth is even more special. I've been at this for more years than I wish to count now and it's been a great ride so far.''

The 5,000 club now features 14 current active riders, among them eight Hall of Fame members, including the all-time leader Russell Baze.