A press release out of Santa Anita Park this afternoon announced that Junior Alvarado has Won the 2024 George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award.

It is widely regarded as one of the most cherished honors given to a jockey, as each year’s Winner is determined by a vote of their peers.

“That’s what makes it so special, that you have some impact on riders across the country. You have earned their respect,” Alvarado said. “We spend at least half the day in the jock’s room, sharing time and then racing with all our fellow riders. It’s definitely very, very gratifying.“

Presented annually at the Great Race Place since 1950, the award honors riders whose careers and personal character earn esteem individually as well as for the sport.

Alvarado gained national attention in 2023 as the regular rider of Horse of the Year CODY’S WISH. Over two seasons, Alvarado guided CODY’S WISH to seven Graded Stakes Victories in nine starts, including two editions of the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1).

Continuing on a steady upward trajectory at age 37, Alvarado, a Venezuela native, more recently was aboard SENOR BUSCADOR Winning the world’s richest race, the $20 million dollar (G1) Saudi Cup.

The George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award is named for the late Hall of Fame rider who Won the inaugural Santa Anita Handicap in 1935 and later piloted SEABISCUIT Victory over Triple Crown Winner WAR ADMIRAL in the great match race at Pimlico in 1938.

Alvarado went on to say: “It’s definitely a tremendous honor. I thought it was a tremendous honor just to be nominated. It is probably the best award you can get in our business. It has to be in the top two, top three for sure. I’m very humbled and very honored to have won this award.”

Kudos to you Junior and keep up the good work.