Journeyman jockey Stewart Elliott has been named the recipient of the 2017 George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award, it was announced Friday. The prestigious honor, named after Hall of Famer George “The Iceman” Woolf, is voted on by member of the Jockeys' Guild throughout the country, and recognizes a rider who demonstrates exemplary characteristics both on and off the track.
“On behalf of our membership, I'm elated that Stewart has been selected as this year's Woolf Award winner,” said Jockeys' Guild National Manager, Terry Meyocks.”Stewart is an exemplary example of what the George Woolf Award is all about. He's not only a top rider, he's a top human being as well and he continues to be a solid role model for jockeys everywhere. On behalf of the Guild, I'd like to congratulate him on what is surely a crowning achievement in his career.”
Born in Toronto, Canada, the 51-year-old is best known for piloting Smarty Jones to victories in the 2004 GI Kentucky Derby and GI Preakness S. A winner of no fewer than 4,722 races and more than $96 million in purse earnings to date, Elliott relocated from the Mid-Atlantic region to Southern California in 2016, and has been among the leading riders in that competitive colony.
“He's just class through and through,” offered Elliott's agent, Craig Stephen. “He loves to work. He's happiest when he's on the back of a horse.”
Other finalists for the 68th Woolf Award were Kerwin Clark, Julien Leparoux, Glen Murphy and Scott Stevens. The 2017 Woolf Award Trophy will be presented to Elliott in the Santa Anita winner's circle next month.
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