Sam Houston Celebrates Elliott's 60th Birthday March 1

Sam Houston Race Park will pay tribute to jockey Stewart Elliott turns 60 years-old Saturday, March 1. While the majority of elite stars in individual and team sports peak in their 20's or 30's, Elliott continues to remain at the top of his game!

The nationally prominent jockey has won over 5,800 races since he began his career 44 years ago. He captured the 2004 Kentucky Derby aboard Smarty Jones and was victorious in 12 Graded stakes at racetracks across the country. Elliott has won the last four leading rider titles at Sam Houston Race Park and has guided Texas Thoroughbred Association Horses (TTA) of the Year Direct Dial and Sunlit Song to many victories here.

Elliott has six mounts on this Saturday's program, which gets underway at 1:00 pm (Central). Fans of all ages are invited to sign a birthday card for Stewart, enjoy a slice of his birthday cake (following race two, approximately 1:55 pm) and join in the in the winner's circle celebration as Elliott is honored and speaks about his many career achievements!

1:00 p.m. First live race

1:54 p.m. Stewart Eliott's 60th Birthday Celebration

2:00 p.m. Cake cutting

2:30 p.m. $1 Dollar Day continues through the 11th race of the day

Elliott is in pursuit of his fourth leading riding title at Sam Houston Race Park, and he has ridden first call here since 2000 for Hall of Fame conditioner Steve Asmussen. The two have an exceptionally solid bond and Asmussen was effusive in his praise for Elliott.

"I have nothing but respect for Stewart Elliott," stated Asmussen. "The enormous professionalism he has shown to his horses, owners and grooms is exceptional, from morning works to the last race of the afternoon. He has set the standard for doing right by each horse, which has been something my sons, (jockeys Keith and Erik) have seen firsthand. Stewart's effort, accomplishments and talent are hard to describe in words!"