Stewart Elliott, Canadian jockey

One of the most enduring figures in the world of American thoroughbred racing, Stewart Elliott, born on March 1, 1965, has carved out a legendary career as an accomplished jockey. His journey into the saddle was perhaps preordained, emerging from a family deeply entrenched in the equestrian realm. Born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Elliott's upbringing was a masterclass in horse racing. His father was a jockey for many years, his mother honed her skills with show horses and shared her expertise as a riding instructor, and his uncle even owned a racing stable back in Canada. This rich lineage undoubtedly instilled in him an early passion and innate understanding of horses and the track.

An Early Start and the Road to Prominence

Life for the Elliott family was dynamic, driven by the demands of the sport. When Stewart was just seven, his family relocated to Hong Kong to pursue racing opportunities, a unique cultural experience that lasted six years before they eventually settled in the United States. It was in the U.S. that Stewart truly began his professional riding career at the tender age of 16. His early days were primarily spent at Philadelphia Park Racetrack, a smaller, suburban track in Pennsylvania. Yet, even in this more intimate setting, Elliott's talent shone brightly. He quickly became Philadelphia Park's most successful jockey for many years, consistently demonstrating his prowess and dedication. For three consecutive seasons, his exceptional performance earned him the esteemed title of Pennsylvania's top rider, cementing his reputation as a formidable presence on the local circuit.

Milestones and Breakthroughs

Elliott's career has been marked by a series of significant achievements, showcasing his longevity and skill. On May 13, 2003, he reached a prestigious career milestone, riding his 3,000th winner, a testament to years of tireless effort and consistent success. Less than six years later, on January 18, 2009, he again made headlines at Philadelphia Park by securing his 4,000th career victory. These numbers speak volumes about his enduring presence and effectiveness in a highly competitive sport.

The Smarty Jones Phenomenon: A Ride into History

While his consistent wins at Philadelphia Park were impressive, it was 2004 that truly propelled Stewart Elliott onto the national, and indeed international, stage. On May 1, 2004, he made history at the Kentucky Derby, becoming the first jockey in twenty-five years to win the iconic race in his very first appearance. His mount, the magnificent Smarty Jones, added another layer of prestige by becoming the first unbeaten Derby winner since the legendary Seattle Slew in 1977. This victory wasn't just personally triumphant for Elliott; it was also financially groundbreaking. His 10% share of the nearly $6 million in purse and bonuses represented the largest payday ever recorded for a jockey and horse in racing history, a staggering sum that underscored the magnitude of their achievement.

The fairytale continued two weeks later when Elliott expertly guided Smarty Jones to a record-breaking win in the second jewel of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, the Preakness Stakes. The racing world held its breath, anticipating a potential Triple Crown sweep at the Belmont Stakes. In the challenging third leg, however, the dream was narrowly dashed. Elliott took Smarty Jones out early in the backstretch, a strategic move that saw Birdstone pass them late in the race. This ride sparked debate among experts: some criticized Elliott's decision, suggesting he "pushed" the horse too early, while others staunchly defended him, arguing it was the only viable strategy to contend for the win. Despite the Belmont outcome, 2004 remained a monumental year for Elliott, during which he won an astounding 262 races out of 1,363 mounts, with earnings totaling over $14.5 million. Though 2005 saw a slight decrease to 143 wins out of 860 mounts, his earnings still remained significant at over $5.3 million.

Continued Excellence and Esteemed Recognition

Stewart Elliott's career has been a marathon, not a sprint, punctuated by continued high-level performance. On January 11, 2008, he showcased his consistent form by riding four winners on a single racecard at Aqueduct Racetrack, a feat that further cemented his reputation for skill and versatility. His contributions to the sport have not gone unnoticed. On June 1, 2010, Woodbine Entertainment proudly announced that Elliott had been voted the prestigious Avelino Gomez Memorial Award, an honor celebrating his significant impact on Thoroughbred racing.

Further testament to his character and professional conduct came in 2017 when Stewart Elliott was voted the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award. This highly regarded honor is bestowed upon a jockey by their peers in North America's Thoroughbred horse racing community, recognizing not only exceptional riding talent but also high standards of personal and professional integrity, both on and off the racetrack. More recently, on August 9, 2020, Elliott added another incredible entry to his resume, becoming only the 36th North American jockey in history to have won more than 5,000 races, a truly monumental achievement that solidifies his place among the sport's all-time greats.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stewart Elliott

Who is Stewart Elliott?

Stewart Elliott is a highly successful American thoroughbred jockey, renowned for his extensive career and significant wins, most notably riding Smarty Jones to victory in the 2004 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes.

When and where was Stewart Elliott born?

He was born on March 1, 1965, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

What is Stewart Elliott famous for?

Elliott is most famous for his 2004 Triple Crown campaign with the undefeated horse Smarty Jones, winning the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. He is also known for his consistent success at Philadelphia Park and for accumulating over 5,000 career wins.

How many career wins does Stewart Elliott have?

As of August 9, 2020, Stewart Elliott had won over 5,000 races, making him one of only 36 jockeys in North American history to achieve this milestone.

Has Stewart Elliott won the Kentucky Derby?

Yes, he won the Kentucky Derby in 2004 aboard Smarty Jones, marking a historic achievement as it was his first appearance in the race and Smarty Jones was the first unbeaten Derby winner since 1977.

What major awards has Stewart Elliott received?

He has been honored with the Avelino Gomez Memorial Award (2010) and the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award (2017) for his contributions and conduct in thoroughbred racing.