Victor Espinoza, the first jockey since 1978 to win the Triple Crown, has been named the winner of the 2016 George Woolf Award as selected by his fellow riders. Dedicated to the Hall of Fame jockey best known for piloting national sensation Seabiscuit to his match race victory over War Admiral in 1938, the Woolf Award seeks to honor riders whose careers and personal character earn esteem for the individual and Thoroughbred racing as a whole.
With his historic feat aboard American Pharoah, Espinoza helped Thoroughbred racing project a positive image far beyond the confines of its industry throughout 2015, elevating the sport's exposure and acceptance to a level perhaps not seen since the 1970s.
“It's quite an honor for any rider to be selected by his peers as the winner of such a prestigious award,” said Terry Meyocks, National Manager of the Jockeys' Guild. “I would like to congratulate Victor on this great achievement.”
In addition to capturing the GI Kentucky Derby, GI Preakness S. and GI Belmont S., Espinoza and American Pharoah won last year's GII Rebel S., GI Arkansas Derby, GI Haskell Invitational and, in a performance for the ages, the $5-million GI Breeders' Cup Classic.
While making numerous national media appearances through the Triple Crown and Breeders' Cup World Championships, the 43-year-old Espinoza also committed his time to helping cancer-stricken youth, donating 10% of his winnings to support pediatric cancer research at City of Hope in Duarte, California.
Born on a dairy farm near Mexico City, Espinoza is the 11th of 12 children. With American Pharoah providing the horsepower, Espinoza gleefully proclaimed himself “The luckiest Mexican on earth” on national television following their win in the Belmont. A three-time ESPY Award winner, Espinoza has three career Kentucky Derby wins, three Preakness victories, three Breeders' Cup triumphs and 11 Southern California riding titles.
The remaining four finalists for this year's award, which can only be won once during a rider's career, were Joe Bravo, Javier Castellano, Gerard Melancon and Joe Steiner.
Espinoza will be presented with the 67th Woolf Award trophy in a winner's circle ceremony Mar. 13.
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