Joe Steiner received wonderful news today when the 51-year-old jockey learned he is among five finalists for one of Thoroughbred racing’s most prestigious awards.
Steiner, Joe Bravo, Javier Castellano, Victor Espinoza and Gerard Melancon are the 2016 finalists for the Santa Anita George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award. Presented annually, the Woolf Award recognizes those riders whose careers and personal character earn esteem for the individual and the sport of Thoroughbred racing. The winner will be announced in February following a vote of jockeys nationwide.
“Out of 13,000 jockeys in the country, I’m one of the five they picked,” Steiner said. “I was so surprised. What an amazing honor.”
Steiner has enjoyed an eventful year. Returning home to the Northwest after several years in Southern California, Steiner flourished at Emerald Downs, finishing fifth with 41 wins including his 1,000th career victory on April 19. Off the track, Joe and wife Dagmar celebrated the birth of son Jonah Michael Joseph in July, and the family has a new residence in Tacoma.
Steiner rode briefly this fall at Golden Gate, but is back home and looking forward to the 2016 season at Emerald Downs.
“I feel great, and I’m having more fun now than I ever have in my whole career,” he said.
