Canadian classic-winning jockey Justin Stein announced his retirement from the saddle Dec. 11 after 19 years of race riding.
Stein has expressed interest in becoming a racing steward.
“I will always miss riding races so leaving to start a new career in the horse racing industry is bittersweet,” Stein said. “But I am excited to stay in an industry I love.”
A native of British Colombia, the 44-year-old has not ridden any races since being involved in a five-horse spill Nov. 22 at Woodbine. One of three jockeys to be hospitalized after the incident, Stein sustained 3 vertebrae fractures in his lower thoracic, T11, T12, and L1, and a broken rib.
Three Jockeys Hospitalized After Woodbine Spill
Stein rode the winners of 1,440 races for earnings of $64,594,881. In his best year of riding, Stein landed Canadian classic victory in the 2012 Queen’s Plate aboard Strait of Dover. He wrapped the 2012 season ranked 29th by earnings for all North American jockeys.
Additionally, Stein scored top-level wins at Woodbine with Silent Poet in the 2021 Highlander Stakes (G1T), Starship Jubilee in the 2020 Woodbine Mile Stakes (G1T), and with Phil’s Dream in the 2013 Nearctic Stakes (G1T). He also captured two legs of the Canadian Filly Triple Tiara, the Woodbine Oaks and Wonder Where Stakes, with Canadian champion 3-year-old filly Munnyfor Ro in 2021.
This year, Stein piloted the Chiefswood homebred Roscar to win the Breeders’ Stakes, the final leg of the Canadian Triple Crown.
