Chris Elliott, the 20-year-old jockey for the Kentucky Derby 2026, is set to become the youngest jockey to ride in the race in 19 years. His father, Stewart Elliott, won the 2004 Kentucky Derby as Smarty Jones' jockey. Chris Elliott, who began his career as a professional jockey two days after his 18th birthday, became one of the top young riders in the United States after winning 122 races and ranking 54th among North American jockeys. As of April 18, Elliott was two wins shy of 200 for his career and on the verge of reaching $10 million in purse earnings. He is also the first father-son duo to have ridden in the Derby.