Multiple Grade 1 Winning Jockey Jarrod Deschamp Dies

Multiple Grade 1 winning jockey Jarrod Deschamp aboard Mr Game after winning the 2010 Mardi Gras Derby at Louisiana Downs.

© Hodges Photography

PHILADELPHIA, MS–AUGUST 2, 2024–Longtime jockey Jarrod Deschamp, 52, died July 21 after winning a race at the Neshoba County Fair. 

On Wednesday, the renowned South Mississippi horse jockey competed in a three-horse race at the Fair. After the race, family members said he suddenly fell down. Coroner Myron Williams said Deschamp, of Kiln, Mississippi, died of apparent respiratory complications after completing a race. He said the cause of death would fall under natural causes.

Deschamp is a very experienced rider who has earned over $6.7 million in earnings in a career that dates back to 1989. 

Earlier this year, Jarrod Deschamp broke his ribs on the track. Still, the head-strong jockey refused to leave the saddle.

"In his first race, he was 11 years old; it was a $900-and-something dollar race. When he won the race that day, the finish line was packed,” recalled Jarrod’s father, Curtis Deschamp. "He won five official races at Delta Downs, never got beat. Then he just kept on riding and riding, and he rode for everybody in this country. From Florida to New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas–every track around here, he rode on. I’m very, very proud of my son."

According to Equibase, the multiple grade 1 stakes-winning jockey rode 401 official winners. Among Deschamp's biggest wins were The Louisiana LQHBA Futurity(RG1) twice aboard Jls Mr Bigtime and Guidrys Pride, the AQHA Challenge Championship(G1) with Wrs Special Shoe, the Louisiana QHBA Sale Futurity(RG1) with Streakin Patriot, and Louisiana Champions Day Classic(RG1) with McM Dozen Dasher. 

Jarrod Deschamp is preceded in death by his other younger sister, Tearziah Deschamp. At 21-years-old, she passed away from cancer.