Mick Fitzgerald joined an elite club of jockeys when he rode his 1,000th career winner aboard Orswell Crest at Sandown on Saturday.
The 33-year-old became only the ninth jump jockey to achieve the magical target when he booted the Philip Hobbs-trained nine-year-old home in the Keith Garwood and Chris Garlick 50th Birthday Handicap Chase.
After his eight-length victory, Fitzgerald quickly made it a double when Caracciola swept past Pirandello to claim the Barry and Christine Davies Silver Wedding Handicap Hurdle for his boss Nicky Henderson.
And he went on to a treble when Iris Royal put up a commanding performance in the Daytona Sandown Park Handicap Chase, also for Henderson.
Fitzgerald joins Stan Mellor, John Francome, Peter Scudamore, Richard Dunwoody, Tony McCoy, Peter Niven, Adrian Maguire and Richard Johnson in reaching the landmark
The Irishman, whose first victory came on Lovers Secret at Ludlow in December 1988, said: "This means everything to me - it means I join a band of elite jockeys.
 |  It is fantastic to see him reach this milestone - he is one of the best horseman in the business |
"I have so much to thank Nicky Henderson for. I would have liked to do it on one of Nicky's horses, but it is nice I have done it for Philip Hobbs. "This is my 12th season with Nicky and I am very lucky to have such a good job. He is a great man to work for and a great friend."
When asked which winners had stuck in his mind, he turned to the crowd and said: "Every one of the them".
Fitzgerald is virtually on 1,003 winners already because he will be awarded a race he came second in at Kempton last February.
| THE 1,000-WINNER CLUB Tony McCoy (1,948+) Richard Dunwoody (1,699) Peter Scudamore (1,678) John Francome (1,138) Richard Johnson (1,106+) Stan Mellor (1,035) Adrian Maguire (1,024) Peter Niven (1,002) Mick Fitzgerald (1,002+) |
The original winner tested positive, but the Jockey Club has yet to disqualify the horse officially. Injuries have blighted Fitzgerald's career and he missed much of the summer after reconstructive surgery to his left ankle in June after breaking it in a fall last season. He returned to the saddle in October.
Fitzgerald admitted the fightback from his latest injury almost forced him to rethink his career.
He said: "When it is such a long road back from recovery, it made me think, 'How bad do I want this?'
"By the end of the four months, I wanted it so badly you wouldn't believe it - I have even given up drinking for the last month just so I can be good and strong again.
"I am looking forward to this season as much as I have ever done. Here's to the next winner."
An emotional Henderson was fighting back the tears after welcoming in his "great friend".
"He is a great team player and his dedication to us has been absolutely amazing," Henderson said.
"I am so proud of him, because we have been great mates for a very long time. It is a great achievement."
Richard Dunwoody, who rode 1,699 winners before his career was ended by an arm injury, said: "Mick is a fierce competitor and a good friend.
"He is a brilliant rider and very dedicated. It is fantastic to see him reach this milestone and he has always been one of the best horseman in the business."
MMIX
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