2023 Recipient

Veteran rider Eduardo Nicasio is the the newest recipient of the prestigious Sam Thompson Memorial Jockey Award.

by Greg Thompson, StallioneSearch.com

RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM–SEPTEMBER 10, 2023–The jockey colony of Ruidoso Downs, and some of the past recipients of the prestigious Sam Thompson Memorial Jockey Award gathered in the winner’s circle on Sunday September 3rd (All American Derby-day) to honor veteran rider Eduardo Nicasio as the newest recipient of the award.

Presented annually at Ruidoso Downs since 2011 and one of the most prestigious awards given to jockeys in Quarter Horse racing, the Sam Thompson Memorial Award is voted on by past award recipients, and recognizes those riders whose careers and personal character yield esteem from their fellow jockeys to provide as a role model of who to conduct themselves on and off the racetrack.

Known for his outstanding demeanor and support for his fellow riders, Nicasio has had an illustrious career thus far in Quarter Horse racing, with 30 total Grade 1 winners prior to this weekend,  on such industry giants as Apollitical Jess, Good Reason SA, Last To Fire, Apollitical Blood, Powerful Favorite, Cyber Attack and Bomb Cyclone to only name a few.

The vote from the panel of former Sam Thompson Award winners made Nicasio the newest member of the elite group of riders to have receive the award.

“It is such an honor to win the Sam Thompson Memorial Jockey Award,” said Nicasio.  “It is so amazing to me to be on the list  of winners with all that have won it before me. I just feel so happy, and it is really just so amazing to win this to me and my family.”

The past winners of the Sam Thompson Memorial Award include:

Roy Brooks (2011)
Gilbert Ortiz (2012)
G.R. Carter, Jr.(2013)
Cody Jensen (2014)
Eddie Garcia (2015)
Ramon Sanchez (2016)
Cesar De Alba (2017)
Ricky Ramirez (2018)
Esgar Ramirez (2019)
Jimmy D. Brooks (2021)
Cody Smith (2022).