Julien Leparoux has been honored by his peers with the 2026 George Woolf Award

The outstanding French jockey has won one of the most valued and prestigious awards in the United States

ARCADIA, California (Special for Turf Diario).— There are awards won on the track… and others built over a lifetime. For Julien Leparoux, the 2026 George Woolf Award clearly belongs to the second group.

Chosen by a vote of his own peers, the French rider was honored with one of the most prestigious and valued recognitions in American racing, reserved for those who stand out not only for their talent but also for their integrity and character.

“It is a very special moment. This award is unique. Being recognized by other jockeys makes it even more important,” Leparoux expressed from Kentucky.

Presented since 1950 by Santa Anita Park, the award honors the figure of George Woolf and distinguishes professionals whose careers elevate both their own names and that of the sport itself. In that sense, few fit the profile better than Leparoux.

Born in France and based in the United States since 2005, the 42-year-old rider built a solid and respected career at all levels. His breakthrough was immediate: in 2006, he won the Eclipse Award as Outstanding Apprentice, and just 3 years later he repeated the feat, but as a consecrated jockey. He is part of a select group of just 4 professionals to achieve that double recognition.

The figures support his history. As of March 23, he accumulated 3,068 victories and more than $207,000,000 in earnings, in addition to 275 graded stakes wins, including 52 at the G1 level.

His name is also linked to great days at the Breeders’ Cup, where he counts 7 victories and multiple placings. His most remembered performance was in 2009 at Santa Anita, when he achieved an unforgettable hat-trick with Informed Decision (Monarchos), She Be Wild (Offlee Wild), and Furthest Land (Smart Strike), in one of the most outstanding displays by a jockey in the recent history of the event.

Among the horses that marked his career, one occupies a special place: the Brazilian star Einstein (Spend a Buck), with whom he won the 2009 Santa Anita Handicap (G1) for trainer Helen Pitts, in a victory of historical value.

“We beat some very good horses. It was a very special day, especially doing it for a female trainer. He was an impressive horse; people loved him,” he recalled.

Currently, Leparoux remains active at Turfway Park and resides in Louisville with his wife Shea and their children Mitchell and Vinn, keeping intact the passion that led him to fulfill his dream.

“Since I was a kid, I wanted to be a jockey. To be able to make a living from that for 20 years and, moreover, to feel the respect of your colleagues… it means everything,” he summarized.

Official recognition will come in April, when he will be honored in the Santa Anita winner's circle. But beyond the ceremony, the award already holds definitive value.

Because in a sport where winning is everything, being respected by your peers is what truly defines you.