Trainer Todd Pletcher hits milestone 4,000-win mark

Todd Pletcher became the 10th thoroughbred trainer to reach 4,000 victories when Eagle Scout won the fifth race at Gulfstream Park on Friday.

The nation's leading trainer and seven-time Eclipse Award winner had six previous attempts at the milestone win before a first-time starter came through with jockey Luis Saez aboard in the race at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida.

Pletcher already is the No. 1 trainer in earnings, with more than $311 million in purse money over a career that began in 1995.

The 48-year-old New York-based trainer still has a long way to go to catch the wins leader. Dale Baird tops the list at 9,445 wins over a 46-year career that ended with his death in 2007.

''We've been blessed with a lot of great horses and a lot of great opportunities,'' Pletcher said. ''There's a lot of people to be thankful to. It's fun. I think the whole team enjoys these type of milestones. When you get to these larger numbers I think it makes you appreciative of every single one. Everyone is significant and every win is significant.''

Pletcher won the Kentucky Derby in 2010 with Super Saver. He saddled two winners in the Belmont Stakes, with the filly Rags to Riches in 2007 and with Palace Malice in 2013.

He also has won nine Breeders' Cup races, including the Distaff twice, with Ashado in 2004 and Stopchargingmaria in 2015, and the Juvenile twice, with Uncle Mo in 2010 and Shanghai Bobby in 2012.

Among his contenders for the Derby on May 7 are Tampa Bay Derby winner Destin and Fountain of Youth runner-up Zulu.