Patrick “Boots” Day
Overview: Patrick Alan Day, commonly known by his nickname “Boots” Day, (born October 13, 1953) is an American Hall of Fame jockey. His distinguished career in thoroughbred horse racing spanned from 1973 until his retirement in 2005, marking him as one of the sport’s most accomplished riders.
Key Career Achievements:
- Triple Crown Victories: Day secured victories in all legs of the U.S. Triple Crown. This includes winning the Kentucky Derby in 1992 aboard Lil E. Tee, the Preakness Stakes five times (1985, 1990, 1994, 1995, 1996), and the Belmont Stakes three times (1989, 1994, 2000).
- Breeders’ Cup Dominance: He achieved remarkable success in the Breeders’ Cup, with a total of 12 wins. Notably, he won the Breeders’ Cup Classic four times (1984 with Wild Again, 1990 with Unbridled, 1998 with Awesome Again, and 1999 with Cat Thief).
- Prestigious Awards: His skill and consistency earned him the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey on four occasions (1984, 1986, 1987, 1991). He also received the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award in 1985 and the Mike Venezia Memorial Award in 1995.
- Hall of Fame Induction: In recognition of his contributions to racing, Patrick Day was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1991.
- Statistical Milestones: At the time of his retirement, Day had ridden 8,803 winners, placing him fourth on the all-time list for North American jockeys. His mounts had earned purses totaling over $297 million, a record in North America at that point.
Riding Style and Legacy: Patrick “Boots” Day was renowned for his patient riding tactics and his ability to deliver strong finishes. His professionalism and dedication were highly respected within the racing community. Following his retirement from racing, which was prompted by injury, Day became a chaplain for the Race Track Chaplaincy of America.
