Jockey Stewart Elliott, 39, was one of horse racing’s best-kept secrets before guiding Smarty Jones to victory in the Kentucky Derby on May 1.
Is this just the start for Elliott or will he join this list of jockeys who made a big splash but never won another Triple Crown, Breeders’ Cup or Saratoga race in a subsequent year?
1. Mike Manganello
Horse: Dust Commander.
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Won: Kentucky Derby in 1970.
Comment: Didn’t start riding the only Illinois-bred Kentucky Derby winner until that April at Keeneland where they won two of three starts.
2. Gustavo Avila
Horse: Canonero II.
Won: Kentucky Derby, Preakness in 1971.
Comment: Accompanied trainer Juan Arias and Canonero II from Venezuela where they were based.
3. Jean Cruguet
Horse: Seattle Slew.
Won: Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Belmont in 1977.
Comment: Was aboard Seattle Slew in all nine races when the colt became the only horse to end his Triple Crown campaign with a perfect record.
4. Ronnie Franklin
Horse: Spectacular Bid.
Won: Kentucky Derby, Preakness in 1978.
Comment: There was much second-guessing when trainer Bud Delp decided to continue using the green jockey in the Triple Crown races.
5. Jorge Chavez
Horse: Monarchos.
Won: Kentucky Derby in 2001.
Comment: Became Monarchos’ jockey in mid-January and guided him to three victories and a second in four pre-Derby outings.