Stevens Out of Pimlico Jockey Challenge
Gary Stevens, who last year became the oldest rider to win the Preakness Stakes (G1), has informed Pimlico officials that he will not participate in the Xpressbet Jockey Challenge on Black-Eyed Susan Day, May 16.
The Jockey's Challenge will now feature seven of the eight active Hall of Fame riders with Russell Baze (1999 Hall of Fame inductee), Mike Smith (2003), Kent Desormeaux (2004), Edgar Prado (2008), John Velazquez (2012), Calvin Borel (2013) and Alex Solis (2014) competing in four races with points awarded based upon their finish.
“Gary has been very selective with his rides since coming out of retirement last year and makes a conscious effort to limit his mounts,” Pimlico president Tom Chuckas said. “He plans on riding in stakes races during Preakness weekend which take priority.”
The jockey with the most points at the end of the competition will be crowned champion. Riding assignments are determined by a drawing Sunday, May 11, and jockeys receive points for finishing first (12 points), second (6), third (4) and fourth (3) in each race.
The champion jockey will earn $20,000. Other prize money: $10,000 (second), $7,000 (third), $4,000 (fourth), $3,500 (fifth), $3,000 (sixth) and $2,500 (seventh).