Angie Craig: “I rise today to recognize Gary Stevens, an accomplished Hall of Fame jockey and Idaho native. Gary retired in 2005 from…”

“I rise today to recognize Gary Stevens, an accomplished Hall of Fame jockey and Idaho native. Gary retired in 2005 from an impressive career in horse racing that includes several victories in each leg of the Triple Crown, as well as multiple titles in the Santa Anita and Breeders' Cup races. Holding claim to honorary awards and international racing cups, Gary's popularity only grew in 2003 when he played the role of George Woolf in the Academy Award nominated movie Seabiscuit. It is an honor to note that Gary started his career in Idaho. At 16 years old, Gary rode his first thoroughbred winner at Les Bois Park in Boise. Born in Caldwell, Gary's father was a riding trainer and his mother was a rodeo queen. This summer, Idaho Governor Jim Risch named a week in Gary's honor, to spotlight this accomplished jockey's ties to Idaho. On behalf of thousands of Idahoans who are proud of him and his Idaho roots, I say congratulations to Gary Stevens for a lifetime of outstanding achievements. ____________________”