Horse racing is an equestrian sport that can be won through the horse’s and rider’s collective effort and talents. Typically, horse racing spectators would just get familiar with the thoroughbred’s names. We think that’s a big mistake. Knowing the jockey is extremely important. They are the ones who set up the pace of the thoroughbreds to guide them in winning the race. A talented thoroughbred can’t reach its full potential without the help of his jockey.
Jockeys are certainly overlooked on the track, but it’s important to note that they are crucial deciding factors in whether a horse will win or lose a race. A talented thoroughbred can’t tap its full potential without the help of a talented jockey.
Spectators of the Kentucky Derby or the Run for the Roses know that jockeys are key influencers to the race’s outcome. The same goes for other horse racing events.
Let’s get to know the equestrian riders that will participate in the upcoming race this May 6 at Churchill Downs, Kentucky.
Irad Ortiz Jr.
Those planning to bet online Kentucky Derby 2023 shouldn’t take their eyes off this jockey.
Irad Ortiz Jr. is from a family of horseracing heroes. He has a prominent brother who is also a jockey named Jose Ortiz. The native Puerto Rican rider has over 3,000 career wins under his belt. A few notable horses he has mounted were Lady Eli, Stephanie’s Kitten, Spun to Run, Shamrock Rose, Bar of Gold, and Whitmore, among many others.
He became more famous for winning multiple American Classics, like the Belmont Stakes in 2016 and 2022 and the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf in 2014 and 2018.
In the 2023 Kentucky Derby, Irad will be atop Forte, who will likely dominate the Kentucky Derby morning line odds in the Run for the Roses Leaderboard. The jockey has all-out trust in Forte since the pair have raced together in six career starts. Together, they won the 2023 Fountain of Youth (G2), 2023 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), and 2023 Breeders’ Futurity (G1).
Flavien Prat
Born in France, Flavien Prat has proven his riding prowess in his home country and in the United States. The 30-year-old jockey earned the French Champion Apprentice Jockey in 2009, and also won the Queen’s Plate in 2019, one of the jewels of the Canadian Triple Crown.
Prat has been participating in the U.S. Triple Crown Races for years. He won the Kentucky Derby in 2019 and the Preakness Stakes in 2021. Other noteworthy races he has conquered were the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint in 2016, the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile in 2017, the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile in 2019, and the Breeders’ Cup Classic in 2022.
In the upcoming Kentucky Derby, Prat will be atop Angel of Empire. Brad Cox, the horse trainer, announced this in the second week of April.
Luis Saez
Luis Saez is a Panamanian jockey who won the Saudi Cup in 2019, considered to be the world’s richest horse racing event. In 2021, Saez also won the Dubai World Cup. In the United States, Saez has won the American Classic Belmont Stakes in 2021 and the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile in 2020.
Some renowned thoroughbreds he has ridden were Maximum Security, Essential Quality, Will Take Charge, and Mystic Guide.
Luis is still deciding which horse to partner with for the upcoming Kentucky Derby – Tapit Trice or Instant Coffee. Saez will likely pick Tapit Trice though since the horse consistently ranks on the Kentucky Derby leaderboards.
Joel Rosario
Originally from the Dominican Republic, Joel Rosario made a name in American Thoroughbred horse racing as a Champion jockey. The 38-year-old rider has over 3000 wins and has earned the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey in 2021.
He started his professional racing career at 14 and has mounted tough horses like Animal Kingdom, Sicotico, Game Winner, Knicks Go, Accelerate, Orb, Dancing in Silks, and many others. Rosario’s Triple Crown wins included the Kentucky Derby in 2013 and the Belmont Stakes in 2014 and 2019.
Rosario will be riding Disarm for Steve Asmussen in the upcoming Kentucky Derby.
John Velasquez
John Velasquez is inarguably one of the most iconic jockeys in the history of American horseracing. The 51-year-old rider earned the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey in 2004 and 2005 and the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award in 2009. More than these, Velasquez has also consistently ranked as the United States Champion Jockey by earnings in 2004 and 2005. His notable American Classics wins were Kentucky Derby in 2011, 2017, and 2020 and the Belmont Stakes in 2007 and 2012.
In the 2023 Kentucky Derby, Velasquez will likely ride Reincarnate though there isn’t any confirmation from Tim Yakteen, the colt’s trainer. The pair competed in the Sham Stakes and won.
Conclusion
Horse racing is a sport that requires the coordination of both equine and human athletes. The thoroughbreds and their jockeys work together to ace the race they compete in. Without their partners, any horse would fall behind, no matter how talented they are.