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Steve CauthenFormer American jockey
Date of Birth: 01.05.1960
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Steve Cauthen
- Rapid Rise to Success:
- Triple Crown Victory and Weight Gain:
- Success in England:
- Return to Kentucky and Hall of Fame:
- Personal Life:
Steve Cauthen
Early Life and Career:Stephen Cauthen was born on May 2, 1960, in Walton, Kentucky, to a blacksmith and horse trainer. Growing up surrounded by horses, Cauthen quickly developed a passion for racing. He made his racing debut on May 12, 1976, finishing last in his first race. However, he rebounded later that week with his first victory.
Rapid Rise to Success:
Cauthen's success in the saddle was meteoric. By 1977, he had become the leading winner, and in his second year of racing, he set another record by becoming the first jockey to earn over $6 million in a single season, earning him the nickname "The Six Million Dollar Man." He won prestigious awards, including Sportsman of the Year from Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, Associated Press, and ABC's Wide World of Sports, as well as Eclipse Awards for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey and Outstanding American Jockey.
Triple Crown Victory and Weight Gain:
In 1978, Cauthen made history by becoming the youngest jockey to win the U.S. Triple Crown. However, as he matured, his weight began to increase, which posed a challenge in his profession. To accommodate his weight, Cauthen moved to England in 1979, where the weight allowances for jockeys were higher.
Success in England:
In England, Cauthen continued to impress, winning his first race at Goodwood and going on to claim three Champion Jockey titles, two Epsom Derbies, and the Irish Oaks twice. He won a total of 10 English classic races.
Return to Kentucky and Hall of Fame:
After retiring from racing, Cauthen returned to Kentucky, where he currently holds an executive position at Turfway Park racecourse. In 1984, he was honored with the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award, given to jockeys who exemplify good character. In 1994, he was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
Personal Life:
Cauthen married Kentucky native Amy in 1992, and they have three daughters.
