Pat Day Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Pat Day is a Hall of Fame American jockey recognized for record-setting wins at Churchill Downs, a patient riding style, and his enduring influence in U.S. thoroughbred racing.

Introduction

Pat Day, born October 13, 1953, has made his mark as one of the most accomplished jockeys in American horse-racing history. With an estimated net worth of around $10 million, he built a legacy through decades of top-level competition, major race victories, and records at premier racetracks.  He has been married to his wife, Sheila, for many years, and his personal life has interwoven with his career and faith.

Quick Facts

From Ranch Country to Racing Royalty

Raised in the ranching community of Brush, Colorado, Pat Day—born October 13, 1953—grew up immersed in horsemanship and rodeos.  Though his early ambition leaned toward rodeo bull riding, his stature and aptitude guided him toward thoroughbred racing, where he made his first winner in July 1973 at Prescott Downs in Arizona. 

In the following years, Day’s career unfolded as a narrative of steady ascent: titles at regional tracks, a move into the national circuit, and eventually a domination of the Kentucky-circuit racetracks that would define his legacy. With a style built on patience, timing and deep horse-sense, by the mid-1980s he was recognized among the sport’s elite.

Defining moments in Pat Day’s journey include:

• Winning his first national riding title and dominating North American jockey rankings. 

• Becoming the all-time leading rider at both Churchill Downs and Keeneland, thanks to his numerous wins at each. 

• Capturing the Kentucky Derby in 1992 aboard Lil E. Tee—a crowning achievement in his career. 

• Transitioning post-career into ministry and support roles within the racing community, illustrating his commitment beyond the saddle. 

The Core Pillars of His Wealth

The core pillars of Pat Day’s wealth include:

Relationships & Family Life

In a sport often defined by travel and intensity, Pat Day also built a domestic foundation. He married Sheila Johnson (later Sheila Day) on June 30, 1979, and the couple have a daughter, Irene Elizabeth Day, born March 3, 1987.  Sheila founded the Mom’s Closet Resource Center (later renamed Single Parent Resource Center) in Middletown, Kentucky, underscoring the family’s involvement in community service. 

Key insights into Pat Day’s relationships and personal life:

• He has attributed much of his stability and success to the support of his wife, Sheila, especially during the height of his career. 

• The Day family made Louisville, Kentucky their home base around 1991, aligning with his move to the heart of U.S. racing. 

• His personal transformation—embracing faith and overcoming early career struggles—has shaped his identity off the track as much as on it.

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond career success, Pat Day leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• Building long-term roots in the Louisville, Kentucky area as his permanent home base. 

• Deep involvement with the Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy, where he helped establish a chapel at Churchill Downs and hosts the annual “Race for Grace” fundraiser. 

• Maintaining his interest in horses and the racing community, attending events, contributing to training communities and mentoring.

• Hobbies and lifestyle habits aligned with tradition: the horse-racing culture, stable life, and community philanthropy rather than flashy celebrity consumption.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Evaluating Pat Day’s net worth draws on various sources and reflects estimates rather than exact accounting.

Breakdown Table:

* Values are estimative; jockey earnings vary widely based on mounts, stakes, travel and contracts.

As a retired jockey, Day’s primary growth driver was his longevity, consistent high-level performance, and records—rather than large public brand deals typical of athletes in other sports. His legacy, niche expertise and post-racing work contribute to sustaining his profile.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

In the public eye, Pat Day is often described as a “quiet professional” whose riding style was marked by patience and deep horse thrift—earning him the nickname “Patient Pat.” 

His legacy includes:

• Reinforcing the value of longevity and consistency—in an industry where peak performance windows can be brief, Day’s career spanned three decades.

• Inspiring future jockeys to consider not just wins, but integrity, discipline, and the craft of riding itself.

• Engaging in philanthropy and faith-based service, thereby broadening his impact beyond sport.

• Cementing his place in racing history via induction into the National Museum of Racing & Hall of Fame in 1991. 

His story resonates not just with racing fans but with anyone interested in career arcs that connect passion, perseverance and purpose.

Conclusion

From the ranch lands of Colorado to the winner’s circle at Churchill Downs, Pat Day’s journey is one of determination, skill and quiet excellence. His birthdate on October 13, 1953 set the stage for a career that would earn him more than 8,800 victories, multiple major race wins and records rarely matched. With an estimated net worth of around $10 million, his financial success reflects not only his talent as a jockey but his broader legacy in the racing world. Off the track, his marriage to Sheila and his family life underscore the grounding that sustained him amid competitive intensity. Pat Day’s story is a reminder that professional achievement and personal purpose can ride side-by-side. As he celebrates his birthday each October 13, his influence in thoroughbred racing continues to gallop forward.