Charles Wayne (Skip) Achuff Jr. – Annual Memorial Stalwart of Steeplechase Award 

 $1000 award given to a jockey, race official, race meet director, or others who support the growth of Steeplechase

Qualifications of the award recipient:

  • Represents the sport with professionalism, integrity, and dedication
  • Knows and upholds the rules of the sport
  • Prioritizes safety of the horses, jockeys, and others

Potential recipients are nominated by their peers for performance in 2024 (previous year). Petitioners for nominees must complete an application and submit by 28 February. The Achuff family will select from the nominees in March. The winner will be announced and awarded at the Radnor Hunt Races, 17 May 2025.

Brief background on Skip Achuff’s career with National Steeplechase Association

Skip Achuff grew up in Glen Riddle, Pennsylvania and was a teenager when he first worked as an exercise rider. He became a regular jockey on the National Steeplechase Association circuit in the 1970s and 1980s. He rode his first race May 23, 1970, at Fair Hill in Maryland, finishing seventh aboard Tip Tank for Woodcrest Stable. Achuff had many wins while teaming primarily with legendary trainer Morris “Pop” Dixon. His first official win came May 8, 1971, at Radnor Hunt Spring Race Meeting in Pennsylvania aboard Waterloo Place; a race meet where Achuff would ultimately take the reins as Race Director for almost 2 decades.

Achuff rode many races in the 1970s and into the 1980s and put together a five-win season in 1984. The highlight was a flat win aboard future member of Thoroughbred Racing’s Hall of Fame, Flatterer, at Tanglewood in North Carolina. Achuff retired as a jockey then but returned for one more ride in an amateur race finishing fourth at Atlanta in 1986.

After retirement from race riding, Achuff stayed connected and devoted to Steeplechase by serving as an official, a chart caller, and a mentor to young jockeys. In 2005, he became the Race Director for Radnor Hunt Races. He served in that position until his passing, expanding the participation of horsemen and spectators. He was committed to growing the sport and was always quick to encourage and recognize others who did the same.

Skip Achuff passed away on August 28, 2022. He had many talents but was first and foremost a horseman. The Achuff family has created the Stalwart of Steeplechase award to honor Skip Achuff’s contributions to the sport of steeplechase racing.

Stalwart of Steeplechase Application

Nominee Information:

Name:
Address:
Email:
Mobile Phone:
Other Phone:
Number of years working in sport of Steeplechase:
Role(s) in the work of Steeplechase Racing, past and present:

Petitioner Information:

Name:
Address:
Email:
Mobile Phone:
Other Phone:
How long have you known the nominee:
Describe your relationship with nominee:
Answer below and add extra sheets if needed.
Please list examples of how the nominee represents the sport with professionalism, integrity, and dedication.
 
Please list examples of how nominee knows and upholds the rules.
Please list examples of how nominee prioritizes safety of horses, riders, others.

Submit applications by 28 February 2025 to J. Michelle Achuff at rehobeech@comcast.net .

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