In an exhilarating display of riding prowess, Tevin Foster stole the spotlight on Tuesday’s nine-race card, booting home four winners to significantly narrow the gap on Raddesh Roman in the 2024 jockeys’ championship.

The day began with Foster, who was three wins behind Roman, securing the first victory aboard War Saw, trained by Anthony Nunes, in the opening event. This set the tone for Foster’s impressive performance, as he went on to win the second race with Musketoon, conditioned by Paul Hylton.

However, Roman was determined to maintain his lead and responded with a win in the third race aboard Military Light, trained by Gary Griffiths. In a thrilling finish, Roman edged out Foster, who was riding Lady Sarsutta.

Undeterred, Foster bounced back in the fourth race, booting home Burning Valor, trained by Gregg Fennel. This victory marked Foster’s third win of the day, and he was determined to make it four.

Foster was unstoppable. He secured his fourth win of the day in the sixth race, the SunnySide Stakes Trophy, aboard Social Aviator, trained by Jason DaCosta.

Roman, however, was not ready to give up yet. He secured his second win of the day in the seventh race aboard J Spieth, conditioned by Patrick Lynch. Once again, Roman edged out Foster, who was aboard Smart Trick, in a close finish.

As the dust settled, Foster’s quartet of wins catapulted him to 128 victories, leaving him just one win shy of Roman’s 129. With only two racing days remaining in the season, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the jockeys’ championship.

In the featured $2-million Christopher “Chris” Armond Trophy, Bootylicious, trained by Peter-John Parsard and ridden by Ismael Velasquez, delivered a decisive half-length victory over Desert of Malibu (Roman) and Pack Plays (Foster) in a swift 1:05.4 over five and a half furlongs (1,100m).

Racing continues on Thursday.

— Ruddy Allen