By Jonathan Kiser was born in 1978, and rode his first winner in 1994 at the age of seventeen. His unique talents as a horseman and jockey were quickly recognized by the sport’s leading trainers, and at the age of 19, he won his first of two jockey championships. In 2000, Jonathan was six wins ahead of his closest pursuer and looked sure to add his third championship.
Jonathan was recognized as the finest steeplechase jockey in decades and destined to be ranked amongst the all time greats of steeplechase jockeys; names like Aitcheson, Adams, Fishback, and Smithwick. In his short career, Jonathan rode some of the sport’s top horses, including Brigade of Guards and Soaringoverseattle. His mounts won an impressive $1.8 million, winning 23% of all his rides.
High Hope in 2000, Jonathan won each of our four N.S.A. sanctioned races, a feat never before accomplished. Less than two months later, Jonathan fell from a rope swing at a family gathering and never regained consciousness. Today, we recognize Jonathan and our 2015 leading jockey. We hope that this award, so generously sponsored this year by Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, continues to remind us of Jonathan’s skill and encourages all other jockeys to be the best they can be.
- Sponsored by Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital
- Leading Jockey award, including a check for $1,000, will be awarded to the jockey with the most wins at High Hope today.
In the event that there is a tie, the rider accumulating the most points on the following basis will be declared the winner.
Placing Points Awarded Each Win 10 points Each 2nd 5 points Each 3rd 3 points
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