The Asmussen family legacy saw the beginning of another important chapter Jan. 5 when Erik Asmussen, the youngest son of North America's all-time leading trainer Steve Asmussen, rode his first career winner at Sam Houston Race Park.
In the opening race of Sam Houston's season, Erik rode Cleat, a 6-year-old War Front gelding who was claimed by his Hall of Fame father in February 2023. After breaking near the back of the field of eight in the 5 1/2-furlong $7,500 claimer, Erik sent Cleat to the lead where he would remain the whole race. He never looked concerned.
"I loved where I was every single second in the race," Erik said, "I thought I was a winner every single second."
At odds of 9-2, he convinced Cleat to repel the far-turn challenge of favored Malibu Thunder and reach the wire first by a length.
"It was so surreal," Erik said, "you can officially say you won more races than a lot of people. It's something you always dream of. Other jocks try and tell you, but there are no words to really describe it. It's unreal."
Horse racing is a family business for the Asmussens, beginning decades ago with Erik's grandfather Keith jockeying horses for his wife and trainer Marilyn. Their sons both became jockeys. Steve rode 63 winners in 721 mounts while his brother Cash was Eclipse champion apprentice in 1979 before becoming a five-time champion in France. Then Erik's older brother, who is also named Keith, began his jockey career in 2020 and has served as a huge inspiration for Erik, especially when it comes to making weight.
"I was 155 pounds three or four years ago," Erik stated referring to what he considers the most challenging part of the job. "If it wasn't for my brother riding, I would never have believed in myself that I could have got the weight down to be able to ride."
Erik had the opportunity to ride against Keith multiple times already, including his career debut at Churchill Downs Nov. 22.
"It's so fun. The Asmussens are an insanely competitive family, but at the same time, you couldn't want your brother to be more successful. But you're trying to kick his butt every single time; it's a funny contrast."
When asked if he is looking forward to beating his brother soon, he said excitedly, "Yes, absolutely!"
The win was also very special for Erik's father. Steve was at the race and, along with his wife Julie, was able to celebrate the win with his son.
"It was very special," Steve said, "It's the next step. Now he needs to add to it. I think he's well aware of what it takes. He's been around it his whole life. It's very gratifying to see."
Steve has been a typical proud father, watching his sons grow.
"They put in the work, both of them. They are obviously pretty tall, and for them to show the discipline to do the weight, put in all the work ... I'm extremely proud of them."
Steve believes with all the success his family has seen in recent years, the job is more fun now than ever before. Steve's career as a jockey was cut short as he encountered the same struggle with weight his sons faced. Yet he sees strong similarities between him and his boys.
"It's extremely neat that they basically started exactly the same way I did at my mom and dad's place in Laredo. The opportunity with the young horses down there and for my father to be able to pass along the horsemanship that went with it makes it extremely proud."
Both Keith and Erik began riding horses at El Primero Training Center when on vacations from school with their grandparents.
"My riding career began breaking babies in Laredo for my grandpa," Erik said. "Getting on 10 a day in a western saddle. It wasn't until about three years ago I started galloping in flat tack for my dad around COVID time."
"A large percentage of the horses we've raced have always come from the farm in Laredo," Steve said. "The boys have been on a lot of those horses early in their lives."
Several members of Erik's extended family were present for his first win, including his uncle, Cash. Erik believes the love and support of his family is the most enjoyable part of being a jockey. "You do this, and every day I get to go to work with my dad and my brother. My grandpa is asking me who I like; I ask my uncle for advice. It keeps me so close to my family; that's the coolest part."
When so many members in your family tree have had as much success as the Asmussen family has, it would be hard not to feel pressured. However, pressure from the family name is not something Erik's ever felt. "It's such an honor, there is something attached to it. It's more of something I feel very proud of because of what we represent. I hope to other people I represent the same thing and that is horses are always first. That's why we do this because of our love for the horse."
Erik is already off to bigger and better as he rode his second winner Jan. 6 aboard Jalen Journey, also owned and trained by his father, in the seventh race at Sam Houston. With a support structure around him like the Asmussen family, there is no doubt he will have the opportunity to leave his mark on the sport.
"It takes the pressure off of me. It really does."
