Les Hulet

Inducted 1999

Born : January 8, 1949 in Cedar City, Utah
3,816 Wins in 25,286 starts
Career Earnings: $17,846,945

Finger Lakes Leading Rider: 1977, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1985

After an early start at the bush tracks in Utah, Les Hulet's official career began in 1970. He broke his maiden November 11, 1970 at Turf Paradise on Momma Belle and went on to become the winningest rider in Finger Lakes history. Arriving in 1972, Hulet became leading rider at Finger Lakes in 1977 with 158 wins for the year. He won the title again in 1979 with 160 wins, and in 1980 with 149 wins. In between riding titles, he teamed up with fellow Hall-of-Famer, Fio Rito, capturing the Grade I Whitney Handicap at Saratoga in 1981. In 1984, Hulet again led the standings with 187 wins. And in 1985 earned his 5th "Leading Rider" title with a career best 198 wins. He was the regular rider for Finger Lakes Hall-of-Famer Lordofthemountain, and guided Sagely, another Hall-of-Famer, to the 50th win of his career. More than just a talented rider, Hulet's wit, tact and diplomacy made him a natural choice as head of the local Jockey's Guild and a favorite of Finger Lakes horsemen and fans. On August 20, 1999 Les Hulet reached the amazing milestone of 3,800 victories aboard Instinctive pro, and his career total of 3,816 wins ranks him 38th all-time among jockeys.