Cooksey Among Nominees for Venezia Award

Jockey Patricia Cooksey, the all-time leading female rider at Churchill Downs, has been named as a finalist for the New York Racing Association's (NYRA) 2003 Mike Venezia Award, which goes to riders who "exemplify extraordinary sportsmanship and citizenship."

Other finalists include Aaron Gryder, Richard Migliore and John Velazquez.

The honoree will be decided by voting by fans, turf writers and jockeys. Fans may vote online from May 14-18 at www.nyra.com.

Kentucky-based Dean Kutz was honored with the award in 2002