Local jockey Chris Elliott rides family legacy to 2026 Kentucky Derby

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – South Central Kentucky has representation in the 2026 Kentucky Derby.

20-year-old Christopher Elliott of Auburn, Kentucky, is the youngest jockey to ride in the derby in nearly two decades, and he carries a name that’s already won it.

“My dad’s been my number one motivation to want a ride,” Elliott said. “He won the derby in 2004, so watching that race just got me really excited and made me want to do it.”

Chris is the son of Stewart Elliott, the jockey of Smarty Jones, who won the 2004 Kentucky Derby and Preakness.

Hearing about that moment quite often, Chris dreams of becoming the next Elliott to cross the finish line first.

“When he hit the wire, I can only imagine what he was feeling,” Elliott said. “He’s told me he had an out of body experience when he won that race. I hope I get to feel that same thing on Saturday.”

Elliot will mount Right to Party at the 2026 Kentucky Derby.

His trainer, Kenny McPeek, trained the 2024 derby winner, Mystik Dan.

Elliot has raced with Right to Party three times, developing a connection that is crucial on the track.

“We’ve got to get along with each other to make it happen and we’ve been doing good,” Elliott said. “Ever since I got on the horse for the first time, we clicked and I’m excited to ride him on Saturday.”

It’s a lot of pressure to follow in his father’s legacy, but all that makes Chris feel is motivation because he’s focused on making a new legacy together.

“If I was to win the derby, my dad and I would be the first father-son duo to ever do that, so it would be awesome,” Elliott said.

It’s just 1.25 miles between Chris Elliot and history in the 152nd Kentucky Derby.