Pat Day

Pat Day was born October 13, 1953 in Brush, Colorado.  He is a four-time winner of the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey and was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1991.  He true character was recognized with the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award he received in 1985 which is given to a jockey who demonstrates the highest standards of professional and personal conduct.

Day has ridden winners of the U.S. Triple Crown races nine times, in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, and the Belmont Stakes.  In 1991, Pat Day won the Canadian Triple Crown and the Breeders’ Cup Distaff atop the now famous filly Dance Smartly.  Day ranks second all-time in Breeders’ Cup winners, with 12 from the Breeders’ Cup Classic, Breeders’ Cup Distaff, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies, and Breeders’ Cup Turf.  In 1989, Day set a North American record when he won eight of nine mounts in a single day at Arlington Park.

Early in his career, Day acknowledged a serious substance abuse problem.  He credits becoming a Christian and his faith in God for being able to overcome the drugs and alcohol.  He has been involved with the Race Track Chaplaincy of America since his conversion and is on the board of that organization.

Day announced his retirement on August 3, 2005 after a 32-year career with numerous wins, fourth on the all-time list, and set a North American record for prize money won.

Day and his family reside in Crestwood, Kentucky.