The Daily Racing Blog would like to wish a big old hedge-skimming Happy birthday to Hall of Fame jockey Calvin Borel !

A Louisiana native, Borel became the first rider to win the Kentucky Derby three times in a four-year span when he piloted STREET SENSE (2007), MINE THAT BIRD (2009), and SUPER SAVER (2010) to victory in the Run for the Roses.  

His victory with MINE THAT BIRD at odds of 50-1 was one of the most stunning outcomes in the history of America’s most prestigious race.

One of the most aggressive and fearless riders in the history of American racing, Borel is also one of the most accomplished.

The Ragin Cajun is in rare company as one of only nine jockeys to win the Kentucky Derby three or more times. He also became only the second rider to win 1,000 career races at Churchill Downs.

With his ground saving, rail hugging style, Borel guided 2009 Horse of the Year and Hall of Fame member RACHEL ALEXANDRA to eight straight victories that year with wins that included the Kentucky Oaks, Preakness, Haskell, and Woodward.

Some other notable wins for Calvin include the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, Travers, Alabama, Sword Dancer, Florida Derby, Stephen Foster, Arkansas Derby, and Oaklawn Handicap.

Winner of the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award in 2010, Borel has more than 5,300 career wins and purse earnings of more than $134 million dollars.

Happy 59th Birthday, Calvin Borail. Now go get yourself some King Cake and Pralines for your celebration.