awards
— peers recognizing excellence
george woolf award
Each year, the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award honors a Jockeys’ Guild member whose career and personal character bring respect and distinction to the sport of Thoroughbred racing. Named for Hall of Fame jockey George “The Iceman” Woolf, the award recognizes integrity, professionalism, and sportsmanship both on and off the racetrack.
Presented annually by Santa Anita Park, the track administers the nomination and selection process. Finalists are identified through that process, and the winner is chosen by a vote of fellow riders. Eligible recipients must be members of the Jockeys' Guild.
Because the award is decided by their peers, many riders consider the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award to be the highest honor a jockey can receive.
Presented annually by Santa Anita Park, the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award honors a jockey whose integrity, professionalism, and character exemplify the highest ideals of Thoroughbred racing.
George Woolf riding Seabiscuit, Photo By Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation - Public Domain
George “The Iceman” Woolf was a Canadian-born Hall of Fame jockey known for his exceptional skill, calm demeanor, and sportsmanship during the golden era of American Thoroughbred racing. Riding in the 1930s and 1940s, he became famous for guiding Seabiscuit to victory in the 1938 match race against War Admiral, one of the most iconic moments in racing history. Woolf’s character and professionalism left a lasting legacy, and the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award was established to honor riders who embody those same qualities.
Julien Leparoux named 2026 George WoOlf Award winner
The Jockeys’ Guild proudly congratulates Julien Leparoux on being named the 2026 recipient of the George Woolf Award, an honor determined through a nationwide vote of his fellow riders.
A native of France, Leparoux has been a standout in American racing since 2005, earning Eclipse Awards as both an outstanding apprentice and journeyman jockey—an achievement accomplished by only a select few. With more than 3,000 career victories and over $200 million in purse earnings, his accomplishments include seven Breeders’ Cup wins and numerous top-level stakes victories.
Beyond his success on the track, Leparoux is an active leader within the Guild, currently serving on the Board of Directors as Vice Co-Chair and Treasurer. A dedicated member for many years, he has consistently supported the Guild’s mission and his fellow riders, demonstrating the integrity, professionalism, and respect that define the George Woolf Award.
Reflecting on the honor, Leparoux shared, “It was my dream as a child to be jockey. To be able to live your dream for 20 years, and to know that you are respected by your colleagues, it means everything.”
Leparoux will be formally honored this spring at Santa Anita Park, where the award has been presented annually since 1950.
— peers recognizing excellence
past George WoOlf Award winners
The George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award has recognized some of racing’s most respected riders since 1950. Below is a list of jockeys who have been honored by their peers for exemplifying the character, integrity, and professionalism that define this prestigious award.
2026 — Julien Leparoux
2025 — Kendrick Carmouche
2024 — Junior Alvarado
2023 — Javier Castellano
2022 — Joe Bravo
2021 — DeShawn Parker
2020 — Luis Quinoness
2019 — Scott Stevens
2018 — Jose Ferrer
2017 — Stewart Elliott
2016 — Victor Espinoza
2015 — Mike Luzzi
2014 — Corey Lanerie
2013 — Mario Pino
2012 — Ramon Dominguez
2011 — Garrett Gomez
2010 — Calvin Borel
2009 — John Velazquez
2008 — Richard Migliore
2007 — Jon Court
2006 — Mark Guidry
2005 — Ray Sibille
2004 — Robby Albarado
2003 — Edgar Prado
2002 — Russell Baze
2001 — Dean Kutz
2000 — Mike Smith
1999 — Jose Santos
1998 — Craig Perret
1997 — Alex Solis
1996 — Gary Stevens
1995 — Edward Maple
1994 — Phil Grove
1993 — Kent Desormeaux
1992 — Jerry Bailey
1991 — Earlie Fires
1990 — John Lively
1989 — Larry Snyder
1988 — Don Brumfield
1987 — Don MacBeth
1986 — Jorge Velasquez
1985 — Pat Day
1984 — Steve Cauthen
1983 — Marco Castaneda
1982 — Patrick Valenzuela
1981 — Eddie Delahoussaye
1980 — Chris McCarron
1969 — John Sellers
1968 — Braulio Baeza
1967 — Donald Pierce
1966 — Alex Maese
1965 — Walter Blum
1964 — Manuel Ycaza
1963 — Ismael Valenzuela
1962 — Steve Brooks
1961 — Peter Moreno
1960 — Bill Harmatz
1959 — Bill Boland
1958 — Merlin Volzke
1957 — Ted Atkinson
1956 — John Adams
1955 — Ray York
1954 — Ralph Neves
1953 — Eddie Arcaro
1952 — John Longden
1951 — Bill Shoemaker
1950 — Gordon Glisson
1979 — Ron Turcotte
1978 — Darrel McHargue
1977 — Frank Olivares
1976 — Sandy Hawley
1975 — Fernando Toro
1974 — Alvaro Pineda
1973 — John L. Rotz
1972 — Angel Cordero Jr.
1971 — Jerry Lambert
1970 — Laffit Pincay Jr.
Excellence, integrity, and sportsmanship in racing.
Jockey Hall of Fame Inductees
Celebrating careers that shaped Thoroughbred racing.
Honoring sportsmanship and dedication among jockeys.
Recognizing integrity and excellence in Quarter Horse jockeys.
