Jockey Manoel Cruz recorded three victories on Saturday at Calder Race Course, including a 1 3/4-length score aboard George's Dance in the 13th and final race on the card, to register his 1,000th North American victory.

The 35-year-old was the leading jockey in his native Brazil several times and amassed more than 1,000 wins during his career in South America.

Cruz guided George's Dance ahead to press pacesetter Mediterranean Sea and the duo took control of the race leaving the turn en route to the momentous triumph. Cruz won the fifth race by 2 1/2 lengths aboard Pennant Dancer and the sixth race by 3 3/4 lengths with Reason to Rejoice, setting up the opportunity to achieve the milestone win.

Cruz was the leading rider at Calder in 2003 and won the jockey title at Tampa Bay Downs in 2002. He is second, trailing only Eddie Castro, in the jockey standings at the current Calder meeting with 157 wins as through Saturday.