For the second consecutive year, Enumclaw resident Gallyn Mitchell is a finalist for the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award, which is considered one of the top honors in the riding profession.

Other finalists are Joe Bravo, Javier Castellano, Corey Lanerie and Garrett Gomez. The award is presented by Santa Anita, but voting is done by members of the Jockeys’ Guild including riders at all Northwest tracks. The winner will be announced in January and the award will be presented in late March or early April.

Mitchell, Emerald Downs’ all-time leading rider with 1,252 wins, has finished in the top five all 15 seasons at Emerald Downs including third with 79 in 2010. He also ranks first in earnings with more than $12.7 million, and is second in stakes wins with 67.

“To even be mentioned with the other guys is special,” Mitchell said. “To be one of five jockeys in all North America on the ballot is quite an honor.”