Jockey Corey Lanerie will call it a career at the conclusion of the Churchill Downs spring meet Sunday, June 28 following 35 years in the saddle, the track announced Friday.Lanerie will leave the sport having totaled more than 5,000 victories and earning north of $172-million in prize money with at least 1,244 wins at Churchill alone. The mark ties him in second all-time behind Hall of Famer Pat Day, who claims 2,482 trips to the winner's enclosure in the shadow of the Twin Spires.The Louisiana native began his career at Evangeline Downs in 1991, and secured his first win Apr. 19 that year aboard High Hopes Banquet (Banquet Table) for trainer Charles Delahoussaye. Lanerie would go on to success that included riding titles at Churchill, Ellis Park, Lone Star, Retama Park, and Sam Houston Race Park. His landmark 5000th career win came in April 2023 at Keeneland–a feat achieved by only 39 riders in North America.Partner to several elite-level runners, Lanerie claimed three editions of the GI Ashland Stakes, his last being in 2017 with Sailor's Valentine (Mizzen Mast), and ran second that year in the GI Kentucky Derby aboard Lookin At Lee (Lookin at Lucky). He guided Cherry Wine to a runner-up finish in the 2016 GI Preakness Stakes after finishing third aboard the son of Paddy O'Prado in the GI Toyota Blue Grass Stakes the race prior. Other Grade I wins include the GI Derby City Distaff aboard Bell's the One (Majesticperfection) and the GI La Troienne Stakes with Molly Morgan (Ghostzapper) in the final start of her career.The jockey found a fruitful home at Churchill since his first win at the venue in 2000. Behind only Pat Day's remarkable mark of 34, Lanerie claims 19 leading rider titles beneath the Twin Spires.“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.”“The hardest part is walking away from the competition because I still love riding. 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.”The post Jockey Corey Lanerie to Retire Following Churchill Downs Spring Meet appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.