New Jersey’s most successful jockey Joe Bravo rode his 5000th career winner at Monmouth Park on May 23.

Bravo joins the elite group of just 30 other US riders to reach 5000 wins.

"I want to thank all the people that were there when I wasn't doing good," said Bravo, who was born just a few miles from Monmouth Park in New Jersey.

"I've been extremely fortunate in my career and to get it here at Monmouth is even more special.

“I've been at this for more years than I wish to count now and it's been a great ride so far."

Bravo's lifetime record includes 4435 seconds and 3752 thirds from 27,453 mounts that have earned nearly $150 million, making him the 27th all-time money-earning rider.

No other rider can match Bravo’s record in New Jersey as he has won nearly half his career total at Monmouth Park including all of the track's top events, most notably the $1 million Haskell Invitational with Lion Heart in 2004.

In 1991Bravo became the first rider in New Jersey history to win jockey titles at Garden State Park, Meadowlands, and Monmouth in a single season.

He has won a record 13 championships at Monmouth and has ridden a record six winners on a single card at the track four times, earning him the fond tag of "Jersey Joe" with his fans.

The 5000 club now features 14 active riders, among them eight Hall of Fame members including the all-time leader Russell Baze, who has won 12,555 races.