Eclipse Award an emotional win for Asmussen family
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It was an emotional night for the Asmussen family as Erik Asmussen, the son of Hall of Fame trainer Steve, was named champion apprentice jockey.
Erik Asmussen teared up on stage during his acceptance speech and tears were in the eyes of his parents, Steve and Julie, in a photo taken just outside the ballroom at the Breakers Resort. Erik’s grandparents, Keith, a former jockey, and Marilyn, were also at the ceremony.
“Knowing how hard he worked and to be able to do this at his height [5-foot-10] and the sacrifices he had to make for the opportunity it’s just very emotional,” Steve Asmussen said.
Erik Asmussen won 179 races last year for earnings of more than $5 million. He also had six stakes wins at tracks in Texas, Indiana, and Kentucky.
Erik Asmussen is the nephew of Cash Asmussen, who won this award in 1979. A congratulatory video from Cash was played at the ceremony.
“This game means everything to me,” Erik Asmussen said. “Thank you to the horses, they’re special and it’s an honor, it truly is.”
Asmussen will ride without his apprentice allowance for the first time Friday at Oaklawn.
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