Steve Cauthen (born May 1, 1960) is an American jockey who is now retired….who in 1977 became the first jockey to win over $6 million in a year… and in 1978 he became the youngest jockey to win the U. S. Triple Crown….as Cauthen is the only jockey ever named Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year. After riding for a few years in the United States…he began racing in Europe….who became the only jockey to have won both the Kentucky Derby and the Epsom Derby.
He rode his first race on May 12, 1976 at Churchill Downs….while finishing last on King of Swat. He rode his first winner Red Pipe less than a week later at River Downs. He was the nation’s leader in race wins in 1977 with 487….who in only his second year of riding….became the first jockey to win $6 million in a single season….while passing that mark in December 1977. In 1978 he became the youngest jockey to ever win the U. S. Triple Crown by riding Affirmed….and he was named Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year. He had increasing problems making the weight and moved to the UK….where jockey weights were higher.
In this video herewith…..Steve Cauthen is a legend in the making being interviewed after winning the 2nd leg of the Triple Crown….the Preakness Stakes…..by legendary broadcaster Howard Cosell and legendary jockey Bill Hartack….which makes this video clip “pure gold” in our treasure chest of memories here at ImaSportsphile.
