For Chris Elliott, the 2026 Kentucky Derby was supposed to be the biggest moment of his young career. At just 20 years old, Elliott had been in line to ride Right to Party and become the youngest jockey to compete in the race since 2007.
Instead, that dream was abruptly delayed on Friday when Right to Party was scratched by state regulatory veterinarians, removing one of the Derby’s most compelling human-interest stories from the field.
The late scratch not only changed the race itself, but also erased a rare father-son Kentucky Derby connection that had captured attention all week. Elliott was set to follow in the footsteps of his father, Stewart, who famously won the 2004 Derby aboard Smarty Jones.
A Family Name Already Etched in Derby History
Stewart’s place in racing history was secured when he guided Smarty Jones to victory in one of the most memorable Kentucky Derby performances of the modern era. He followed that win by capturing the Preakness Stakes, taking the first two legs of the Triple Crown before finishing second in the Belmont Stakes.
Smarty Jones became one of racing’s most beloved stars because of both his talent and resilience. The colt overcame a fractured skull early in life, while his original trainer was later murdered in a tragedy that nearly derailed the story before it truly began. Instead, the horse rose above it all and inspired fans nationwide.
Born in February 2001 in Chester County, Pennsylvania, Smarty Jones was sired by Elusive Quality out of I’ll Get Along. He was later trained by John Servis and owned by Someday Farm, operated by Roy and Pat Chapman. After winning the Derby, Smarty Jones became such a sensation that he landed on the cover of Sports Illustrated before retiring later that summer.
Stewart also carried his own impressive background into that run. Born in Canada to a jockey father and riding instructor mother, he began riding professionally at age 16. His win aboard Smarty Jones made him the first jockey in 25 years to win the Kentucky Derby in his first appearance, and he later recorded his 5,000th career victory in 2020.
Chris Elliott Took a Different Path to Racing
Elliott did not always seem destined to become a jockey. Growing up in Lambertville, New Jersey, he enjoyed horses but also pursued interests outside racing, including karate and basketball.
Like many young athletes, he imagined different futures before eventually gravitating toward the family business. Chris remains a basketball fan and reportedly supports the Milwaukee Bucks.
As the family relocated during Stewart’s riding career, Elliot spent more time around racetracks and barns. It was eventually while around Del Mar Racetrack that his interest in becoming a rider truly developed.
Once he committed to racing, his rise was fast. Elliot only began riding professionally two years ago, yet quickly built enough momentum to land a Kentucky Derby mount.
Learning From a Derby Winner
Few young riders have access to the kind of guidance Elliott receives. His father knows firsthand the pressure, emotion, and strategy involved in the Kentucky Derby.
Stewart has said he never wanted to push his son into the profession because he understood both the rewards and sacrifices of the sport. But once he saw Elliot had the talent and discipline, he embraced helping him develop.
The two reportedly still review rides together, discussing race decisions and tactics in detail. Stewart has praised Elliott’s maturity, saying he listens, learns quickly, and carries himself beyond his years.
Why Right to Party Was a Perfect Opportunity
Elliot’s Derby mount came aboard Right to Party, trained by Kenny McPeek. The connection was notable because McPeek also trained during the Smarty Jones era and had his own history with Stewart.
McPeek publicly backed Elliott throughout Derby week, saying the young rider knew the horse and deserved to keep the mount rather than being replaced by a more established jockey.
“You can see it in his eyes; he wants to be important. He wants the big races,’’ McPeek said. “He’s coachable. To me, life is about opportunity. I wish someone had given me a chance when I was younger. He knows this horse and to me, it wasn’t even a decision to make.
“I was going to stick with the guy who got us here.’’
Elliott had previously ridden Right to Party and reportedly believed the colt would improve once stretched out over longer distances. That confidence proved accurate as the horse advanced through prep races and earned enough points to qualify for Churchill Downs.
Father-Son Derby Story Paused as Jockey Chris Elliott Loses Mount