3-time Derby-winning jockey Calvin Borel retires

Three-time Kentucky Derby winner and Hall of Fame jockey Calvin Borel is retiring.

The popular rider nicknamed “Bo-rail” for his knack of finding a spot along the inside of the track told his agent, Larry Melancon, it’s time to call it a career.

Melancon says Borel told him Wednesday morning during a phone conversation, “This is what I want to do, this is the end of it.”

The 49-year-old rider is based in Oaklawn Park, and officials at the Arkansas track said Borel has been taken off all of his mounts this week.

Borel is the only jockey to win three Derbies in four years. The Louisiana native rode Street Sense to victory in 2007, won a second Derby in 2009 aboard 50-1 long shot Mine That Bird and won the next year with Super Saver. He also rode Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra to victory in the 2009 Preakness.

The Cajun rider won 5,146 races in a career that covered 33 years. The horses he rode earned more than $127 million.

Former longtime agent and close friend Jerry Hissam said he talked Borel and “he said it was time. It was just time.”

In his final race, Borel finished fourth on Mud Light in last Saturday’s Gazebo Stakes at Oaklawn. His final win was aboard Thrylos at Oaklawn on March 18.