Renton-native Jack Leonard is among four finalists for induction in the jockey category of the Washington Racing Hall of Fame class of 2013.

Leonard – who scored Longacres Mile victories aboard Sparrow Castle (1961) and Praise Jay (1969) and captured the 1969 Longacres riding title – joins fellow Longacres riding greats Gary Boulanger and Basil Frazier, as well as all-time winningest Emerald Downs jockey Gallyn Mitchell as finalists in the jockey category.

The nod is the first final nomination for Leonard.

Twenty finalists in five categories are eligible for induction into the 2013 class of the state highest honor in Thoroughbred racing. Four finalists were announced in each category – Male Horse, Female Horse, Jockey, Trainer, Breeder.  – with the winners to be announced in March, followed this summer by the official induction ceremony on the eve of the 78th Longacres Mile.

Introduced in 2003, the Washington Racing Hall of Fame is co-sponsored by Emerald Downs and the WTBOA.

2013 Washington Racing Hall of Fame finalists:

Horse: Georgie Drum, Loto Canada, Military Hawk, Travel Orb

Horse (F&M): Flag de Lune, Reba Is Tops, Run Away Stevie, Table Hands

Jockey: Gary Boulanger, Basil Frazier, Jack Leonard, Gallyn Mitchell

Trainer: Howard Belvoir, Clint Roberts, Larry and Sharon Ross, Wesley Ward

Breeder: Czechmate Stable, Griffin Place, Gunshy Manor, Savario Farm