Few, if any, athletes are nonetheless on the high of their sport at 58, however veteran jockey Stewart Elliott has proven annually that age is only a quantity.
On Friday, March 31, the Canadian-born driver returned to the winners’ group with Meant For Me, marking his 5,five hundredth profession. cemented his victory. Elliott guided the 5-year-old Kentucky-born out of pace on the five-forty-foot turf dash for Hoffman Household Racing and coach HB Johnson at Sam Houston Race Park. It was Elliott’s forty ninth win of the 2023 Thoroughbred English encounter, which ended on 8 April.
At present 12 wins forward of Ernesto Valdez-Jiminez, Elliott seems fairly assured in his third title on the northwest Houston racetrack.
Most racing followers know Elliott for his victory within the 2004 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Smarty Jones.
Stewart Elliott and Smarty Jones after profitable the 2004 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs
He has at all times been very humble when discussing profitable probably the most heralded race in america. That is Stewart; Over the past 4 many years have ridden over 34,555 Thoroughbreds, however by no means one to boast or give the lion’s share of Smarty Jones or different exceptionally ranked wager winners Spherical Pond, Talkin About Love or Rockport Harbor. She loves doing what she does and did not even understand she was approaching the turning level till her 16-year-old son, Christopher, pointed it out.
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For the previous three years, Elliott has made the primary name for Corridor of Fame conditioner Asmussen at Sam Houston Race Park, then Lone Star Park, earlier than finishing the ultimate 4 months at Remington Park.
“I actually take pleasure in this program,” Elliott stated. “I make the primary name for Steve, who at all times retains his horses in the fitting spots, and obtained some good mounts for different trainers. Mindy Willis, who’s nice along with her runners, is nice working with.”
Sunlit Tune is among the advantageous Texans that Elliott enjoys driving. The good-looking grey turf specialist, bred and owned by Carolyn Barnett, took his second stake within the Houston sport, profitable the $100,000 Richard King on Texas Champions Day.
“Mindy introduced him again in his greatest type this 12 months,” Elliott stated. “I am only a passenger; he makes it look really easy.”
Elliott additionally directed the Texas Thoroughbred Affiliation (TTA) Direct Dial to his two stakes earlier than WS Farish, who was raised by Too A lot Bling, retired.
“He was a real warrior and really skilled,” Elliott stated. “The beauty of him was how a lot he cherished his job. It amazes me {that a} horse has a will and tries each time. It is all you’ll be able to ask for at any stage.”
Final month, Elliott had loads of mounts for Asmussen, whom he’d been chasing for his 10,000th win. Elliott tried to not really feel the strain, however he had a couple of seconds and a 3rd because the countdown heats up.
“I actually needed to do that for Steve,” Elliott admitted. “Like all of his riders, we had a whole lot of luck. In the direction of the tip, we felt like we had an anchor weighing on us, however when he reached that unimaginable milestone, I used to be comfortable for him!”
Asmussen doesn’t hesitate to reward Elliott’s professionalism.
“A terrific rider with an amazing quantity of success,” he stated. “We’re fortunate he is racing for us. What cannot be overstated about Stewart is his consistency.”
Elliott has a wonderful relationship with the help of his supervisor, Scott Hare, and his spouse, Lilibeth. Their son, Christopher, who will flip 17 in April, hopes to pursue a profession as a jockey and beneficial properties his father’s approval.
“Christopher skilled some horses for Sarah Davidson this morning,” Elliott stated. “Darren Fleming, who runs the Lone Star barn for Steve, can be serving to him this summer season.” Elliott and his household will take a couple of weeks off between their Sam Houston and Lone Star reunions. So long as Elliott can catch some fish or get to his farm close to Bowling Inexperienced, he’ll be refreshed and able to go.
“I used to be fortunate to have the ability to keep my weight and have only a few accidents all through my profession.” “Life is Lovely!”
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