Veteran jockey Stewart Elliott reached a major career milestone on Thursday night at Remington Park by securing his 6,000th win in North America. After experiencing a dry spell since his last victory on Sept. 5 with Colonel Yorke, Elliott finally broke through, though it came unexpectedly on Lamorna Inn, a mount he was assigned only after fellow jockey Floyd Wethey, Jr. fell ill and had to step down from his rides that evening.
Elliott had been stuck at 5,999 wins all week, and it was the sudden opportunity to ride Lamorna Inn in the ninth race that sealed his historic triumph. With this win, Elliott became the 23rd jockey in history to reach the 6,000-win plateau, trailing just five victories behind Javier Castellano, who achieved the milestone earlier that year. Elliott expressed gratitude and acknowledged the ups and downs of a long career, noting the numerous injuries he’s overcome to maintain his success over the years.
The winning horse, Lamorna Inn, owned by Judge Lanier Racing and trained by Dick Cappellucci, claimed the six-furlong race by two lengths at odds of 7-2. Elliott reflected on the challenges he’s faced, including multiple broken bones and even a lung puncture, emphasizing that perseverance is key in this tough sport. Although at 61 years old he laughs at the idea of winning thousands more to catch record-holder Russell Baze’s staggering 12,842 wins, Elliott remains positive about his health and career.
In the same racing card, Heroic Move, a six-year-old Kentucky-bred graded stakes winner, dominated an allowance race by 5¼ lengths. Under Ramon Vazquez’s guidance, Heroic Move clinched his 10th career victory, further showcasing his class far above the allowance level. The horse, trained by Robertino Diodoro and owned by a group including Canadian partners, earned $25,068 of the $42,000 purse, improving his earnings to over $1.3 million after 33 starts.
Remington Park continues its racing meet with events scheduled for Sept. 18 and 19, and the highlight 2026 Oklahoma Derby is set for Sept. 27. The venue remains a vital contributor to Oklahoma’s education fund and offers year-round simulcast racing and casino gaming to fans and guests 18 and older.
Fan Take: Stewart Elliott’s milestone is a testament to endurance and passion in horse racing—a true inspiration for fans and aspiring jockeys alike. Achievements like this remind us of the sport’s rich history and the personal stories behind every victory, fueling excitement and respect for the athletes who bring these thrilling moments to life.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
