Trainer Steve Asmussen recorded his 5,000th career victory on Friday, September 11, at Woodbine racetrack in Toronto.

The 43-year-old trainer, best known for his accomplishments with two-time Horse of the Year Curlin and current superstar Rachel Alexandra, who conquered older males in the Grade 1 Woodward last Saturday at Saratoga, won his first Eclipse Award last year.

Asmussen is just the fifth trainer in the history of Thoroughbred racing to reach the 5,000-win plateau, joining Dale Baird, Jack Van Berg, King Leatherbury and Jerry Hollendorfer.

Assistant trainer Hank Gensler, who heads Asmussen’s Woodbine operation, saddled 2-year-old Passion Rules, a 10-length winner ridden by Luis Contreras.

“If I know Steve, he’s very happy right now,” said Gensler. “In 10 minutes, he’ll be thinking about winning 5,001.”

Asmussen trainees are stabled at racetracks throughout the United States. In 2008, he set up his first Canadian division at Woodbine and tallied 40 victories. That same year, on February 17 at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, AR, he became just the eighth trainer in history to record 4,000 wins.

“I think we had 11 or 12 in (Friday across North America),” Gensler added. “I kind of thought it would be today somewhere, It’s a big team. That’s the way everybody looks at it. We swap horses a lot. Everybody does a great job. I’m happy that we got it done.”

Passion Rules, who is owned by Vinery Stables, was Asmussen’s 462nd triumph in 2009.