Even though many of his friends and some family members had a pretty good idea of what his career path would eventually be, Chris Elliott was not sure if he wanted to follow in his father's stirrups.
That changed a few years ago when he watched his dad—veteran jockey Stewart Elliott, who has won more than 5,600 career races—take a race with an impressive ride in California. The riding bug bit the younger Elliott that day.
These days, the 18-year-old Elliott is at Monmouth Park, having moved his tack from Lone Star Park, where he raced against his father at times. In his first and only start so far at Monmouth, Elliott came back a winner, guiding Coco Shell to a victory for leading trainer Claudio Gonzalez July 19.
His next ride at the Jersey Shore track will be in the July 26 Regret Stakes for Texas-based trainer Tina Hurley.
"I started getting on horses about two or three years ago for (Texas-based trainer) Sarah Davidson," said Elliott, who was born in nearby Riverview Hospital in Red Bank and grew up in Lambertville, N.J. "She's the one who helped me get started.
"I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with my life before that. I had seen my dad have so many ups and downs with his weight and I saw him struggle with his weight and I saw how dangerous riding could be and I did not want to do that. But seeing a ride like he gave that day in California, with everyone talking about what a great ride it was, seeing how everyone reacted, I said to myself, 'That's what I want to do.'"
Until shifting east, Elliott's experience was limited to Lone Star, where he launched his riding career in April. He won on his first career mount, but the success has slowed for Elliott—intentionally. He enters Friday's Monmouth Park card with five wins from 85 mounts, and is now a seven-pound bug.
A tradition like no other…
— Lone Star Park (@lonestarpark) April 21, 2024
A first career win as a jockey calls for a celebration!
Congrats on win #1, Christopher Elliott! pic.twitter.com/6vhbe7GYDh
He said his father, best known for having guided Smarty Jones to victory in the 2004 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness Stakes (G1), suggested he get as much experience as possible.
"Every race is different and you learn something every race," the younger Elliott said.
The elder Elliott, who has ridden in 35,531 races (he is currently sidelined recovering from a fractured tailbone), has been a great resource since the younger Elliott opted to become a jockey.
"He's a huge asset to have," said Elliott. "When I study my races he is always helping me, pointing things out, giving me advice on what happens during a race. He always has great suggestions. He has been doing it so long and has won so many riding titles at different tracks. He knows what he's talking about."
Elliott said he and his dad raced against each other at Lone Star "about three or four times," calling it "really cool."
Elliott said his agent, Jose Santos Jr., encouraged him to try Monmouth Park. He said he would stay through the end of the meet.
"I grew up here. New Jersey is home," said Elliott. "We know quite a few people here. He told me this would be a good place for me to ride because they use bug boys here. I'll ride the rest of the meet at Monmouth Park and then other places like Parx on off days whenever I get the chance."
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
