Kentucky Derby-winning jockey Joel Rosario has been named recipient of the 6th annual Bill Hartack Award, the Bill Hartack Charitable Foundation announced March 25.
The award, which honors the memory and lifetime achievement of the late Bill Hartack, one of only two jockey to win the Kentucky Derby five times, will be presented April 17 at Keeneland sales pavilion.
A native of the Dominican Republic, Rosario won the 2013 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) with Stuart Janney III and Phipps Stable's Orb in a late push on the final turn, moving from 15th to first for a 2 1/2-length triumph.
Hartack Foundation Board Member Mike Stidham said, "It is our privilege to work with Keeneland to bring national attention to the racing industry and the extraordinarily talented and selfless Thoroughbred racing jockey. This year's award recipient, Joel Rosario, personifies skill and discipline. He is an outstanding role model in the racing industry."
The Hartack Foundation will also recognize owners Janney, Ogden "Dinny" Phipps and trainer, Claude "Shug" McGaughey III, the connnetions of Orb, with the "Neiman" award. The award recognizes Thoroughbred owners and trainers for their commitment and contributions to the racing industry, and is named for Hartack Foundation founding board member LeRoy Neiman (1921-2012), who passed away at the age of 91. Neiman, a longtime friend of Bill Hartack, was one of America's most popular artists known for his brilliantly colored, impressionistic sketches of sporting events and the international high life.
Proceeds from this year's Hartack event will benefit two racing related charities selected by Joel Rosario and the Bill Hartack Foundation, Belmont Child Care Association and the Permanently Disabled Jockey Fund.
