The legendary Yogi Berra, renowned as much for his playful expressions as for his illustrious baseball career, once remarked, “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” Like many of his iconic quips, this one holds a mix of humour and a dash of insight. For British jockey Jane Elliott, now 29, such a crossroads came in 2022 when she crossed the Atlantic to reshape her career.
Faced with a choice to either test her skills in the competitive US racing scene or stay in England to revive a faltering career, Elliott made a bold move.
“I thought it would improve my riding and broaden my skills,” she reflected on her decision to head to the US.
A Career Stalled by Circumstance
Elliott’s career in England hit a roadblock after a significant setback involving her primary trainer, Tom Dascombe. Early in 2022, Dascombe parted ways with owner Michael Owen, the former England football star. The split cost Dascombe most of his horses and left Elliott with scarce opportunities. In fact, she had only 14 rides before deciding to head for Florida in search of better prospects.
Before departing, Elliott expressed her hopes to her agent, mentioning that Brendan Walsh could offer her opportunities stateside. She shared her desire to gain experience in track riding, and soon enough, she found herself at Gulfstream Park in Florida.
Turning a “Working Holiday” Into Opportunity
Many British riders venture to the US for short stints during the winter, combining experience with a sunny escape. Elliott, however, had bigger ambitions. By spring, she moved to Kentucky under Walsh’s guidance and handed her career to seasoned jockey agent “Big Steve” Krajcir, who helped her secure riding opportunities, not just at smaller tracks but also at major venues like Keeneland and Churchill Downs.
Her bold choice began to pay dividends. In 2023, her mounts earned $821,528—almost double her best year in England. She also achieved an impressive 25% win rate at Belterra Park, which helped her gain recognition. By 2024, her successes included 24 winners, with earnings nearing $740,000.
The Struggles Back Home
Elliott’s most successful season in England came in 2019, with 33 wins while apprenticed to Dascombe. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 drastically reduced racing opportunities, cutting her rides in half and forcing her to rely on just one trainer. With dwindling starts and no weight allowance, her earnings and wins nosedived. “It was hard to travel and secure rides,” she admitted, explaining how the pandemic added to her challenges.
New Horizons in the US
In the US, Elliott has found her footing. From December 2024 to May 2025, she will compete exclusively at Oaklawn Park’s lucrative meet, a decision that underscores her confidence. While Turfway Park, closer to her Louisville home, offered familiarity, Oaklawn presented a tougher challenge—and she embraced it, backed by her agent, “Big Steve.” She’s even had the honour of riding for racing legend D. Wayne Lukas.
Elliott’s growing success in the US reflects her adaptability. While UK racing emphasised patience and long reins, US dirt racing required her to master “gate riding,” where early speed and precise pacing are crucial. With Walsh’s mentorship, Elliott learned to calculate pace down to the second, a skill essential for dirt tracks. She also adopted the crouched American seat style, moving away from the more upright European posture.
“I try to blend in and look as American as possible,” she said, adding that she aims to emulate jockeys like world-renowned Ryan Moore.
A Keen Student of the Sport
Elliott is methodical in her preparation, studying replays of not only her own rides but also those of competitors.
“I might look to see if they did anything, if they have a trait of maybe getting out or getting in,” she says. “I always try and do as much homework as I can.”
This detailed homework has given her an edge, especially at smaller tracks, where she can predict her rivals’ moves.
Even at larger venues with higher-calibre riders, Elliott remains observant. Recently, she overheard a rider note a competitor’s tendency to drift off the rail, creating an opening.
“If I can drop in on a conversation about some jockey--what he might do--then I will,” she said.
Looking Ahead
As she prepares for her Oaklawn debut, Elliott’s story mirrors another of Yogi Berra’s sayings: “If you don’t know where you’re going, you might not get there.” Jane Elliott knows exactly where she’s headed—and her determination and talent suggest she’ll leave a lasting mark on US racing.