Gary Stevens

Gary Stevens is recognized as one of the leading Thoroughbred jockeys in American horse racing. He became a professional jockey in 1979 and accumulated nine wins in Triple Crown races, including three victories each in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. After winning his first race at Les Bois Park in Idaho and establishing himself as the leading rider at Longacres in Washington, Stevens transitioned to the Southern California circuits, where he became a prominent figure in the racing community.

Stevens won the Kentucky Derby with Winning Colors, Thunder Gulch, and Silver Charm; the Preakness with Silver Charm, Point Given, and Oxbow; and the Belmont with Thunder Gulch, Victory Gallop, and Point Given. His other notable victories include the Travers Stakes, Kentucky Oaks, Santa Anita Handicap, Arlington Million, Pacific Classic, Jockey Club Gold Cup, Japan Cup, Canadian International Stakes, and Dubai World Cup. He also achieved international success, winning major races in England, France, and Hong Kong. Stevens retired with 5,187 North American wins and purse earnings of more than $258 million.

His career was marked by significant injuries and periods of temporary retirement, primarily due to knee problems. His right knee underwent 10 operations, leading to multiple retirements. Due to his joint replacements and repeated comebacks, Stevens earned the nickname The Bionic Man. He has spoken openly about his battles with substance abuse and depression, highlighting the pressures of professional sports. After the HBO series "Luck" was canceled, Stevens returned to racing, adopting a strict training regimen and lifestyle changes. In his first year back, he won the Preakness Stakes with Oxbow and later captured the Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff aboard Beholder, narrowly defeating Songbird.

Stevens was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and received the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey in the United States. He also won the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award, the Mike Venezia Award, and the Big Sport of Turfdom award from the Turf Publicists of America. Stevens authored the book "The Perfect Ride," offering insight into the triumphs and challenges of a career in horse racing.

In addition to his achievements on the track, Stevens has worked as an actor and television commentator, portraying George Woolf in the film "Seabiscuit," starring in the HBO series "Luck," and providing racing analysis for NBC Sports. After retiring following a spinal injury at Del Mar, Stevens resumed his media career as an analyst and commentator for NYRA broadcasts and other outlets, including Fox Sports. Stevens continues to be a respected voice in the horse racing industry, contributing his expertise as a jockey, analyst, and commentator.