The thrill of horse racing is nothing without the skill and dedication of the jockeys who ride these magnificent thoroughbreds to victory. In the United States, there are exceptional athletes that have risen to the top and solidified their status as some of the best in this exhilarating sport.
From legends like Rosie Napravnik and Rafael Bejarano to current sensations such as Irad Ortiz Jr., we’ve compiled a list containing only those at the pinnacle of their equestrian careers.
Join us as we explore each talented individual’s riding style, career achievements, and what sets them apart from other jockeys in our Top 10 Jockeys In USA countdown.
Key Takeaways
- The top 10 jockeys in the USA, including Irad Ortiz Jr., Luis Saez, and Flavien Prat, have all excelled in the sport with impressive career achievements.
- Consistency and longevity are crucial for success as a jockey, demonstrated by riders such as Edgar Prado who has won over 7,000 races throughout his almost four-decade-long career.
- Good work ethics and the ability to adapt to different horses and tracks also set these top jockeys apart from their peers. Rosie Napravnik stands out as one of the best female jockeys in history with over 1,800 wins throughout her career.
Top 10 Jockeys In The USA
Irad Ortiz Jr., Luis Saez, Flavien Prat, Shaun Bridgmohan, Edgar Prado, Joseph Talamo, Garrett Gomez, Jose Ortiz, Rosie Napravnik and Rafael Bejarano are the top 10 jockeys in the USA.
Irad Ortiz Jr.
Irad Ortiz Jr. is a name that stands out among the top 10 jockeys in the United States, thanks to his extraordinary riding skills and career achievements. Born into a family of horse racing professionals, Irad quickly established himself as one of the best jockeys with numerous accolades under his belt.
What makes Ortiz Jr. truly exceptional is his ability to ride different types of horses and deliver outstanding performances on various racecourses. Some notable accomplishments include multiple Breeders’ Cup victories and an Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey in both 2018 and 2019.
Luis Saez
Luis Saez, a Panamanian jockey, is one of the most successful jockeys in the United States. He currently ranks second in the country, following Irad Ortiz Jr., with an impressive 200+ wins and earnings exceeding $12 million.
His ability to quickly adapt to various horses and race conditions has also contributed significantly to his success. Luis has won several significant races throughout his career, including the Belmont Stakes twice with Essential Quality and Sir Winston as well as winning Travers Stakes on Catholic Boy.
Overall Luis’s work ethic is commendable and makes him stand out amongst other horse racing jockeys in the USA. With over ten years’ experience as a professional rider—since debuting at Gulfstream Park—he has shown consistency since arriving.
Flavien Prat
Flavien Prat is a renowned jockey in the USA, widely known for his excellent riding skills and numerous victories. He has won four Breeders’ Cup races since 2016, including the prestigious Classic race with Accelerate in 2018.
Flavien also rode Country House to victory at the 2019 Kentucky Derby after Maximum Security was disqualified, marking his first-ever Triple Crown win. His journey as a professional jockey began in France before he moved to California in 2014 and quickly established himself as one of the top riders on the West Coast circuit.
Flavien’s success can be attributed to his exceptional racing instincts, patience, and ability to ride different types of horses effectively.
Shaun Bridgmohan
Shaun Bridgmohan is an American jockey who has been riding professionally since 1997. He has ridden over 5,000 races and has won more than 1,200 of them.
Bridgmohan’s notable achievements include winning the Grade I Santa Anita Derby in 2004 aboard Castledale, as well as the Grade I Kentucky Oaks in 2005 aboard Summerly.
One of Bridgmohan’s most memorable moments came in the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic when he rode Blame to victory over Zenyatta, denying Zenyatta her bid for a perfect career record.
Overall, Shaun Bridgmohan is considered one of the top jockeys in America due to his longevity in the sport, consistent performances on various horses and major wins throughout his career.
Edgar Prado
Edgar Prado is a renowned jockey in the United States, with an impressive professional record. He has won more than 7,000 races and boasts victories in prestigious events such as the Kentucky Derby and Breeder’s Cup.
Prado was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame for his outstanding contributions to horse racing. His versatility and adaptability are among the qualities that make him stand out from other top jockeys.
Moreover, his longevity in the sport is a testament to his perseverance and unwavering dedication to his craft.
Joseph Talamo
Joseph Talamo is a renowned jockey who has been in the horse racing industry for over a decade. He has attained various achievements, including winning several prestigious races such as the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies, Travers Stakes, and Wood Memorial Stakes.
Aside from attaining numerous wins on different types of courses, Joseph Talamo also possesses good work ethics that have earned him an excellent reputation among trainers and owners in the industry.
Garrett Gomez
Garrett Gomez is one of the best jockeys in the United States, known for his impressive riding skills and numerous achievements. He won the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey twice, in 2007 and 2008, after winning more than 400 races each year.
However, Gomez faced several challenges throughout his career due to personal issues with addiction that caused him to miss races. Despite these struggles, he remained dedicated to his craft and continued to ride at a high level until his retirement in 2013.
Jose Ortiz
Jose Ortiz is one of the most accomplished and skilled jockeys in the United States. With an impressive career spanning over a decade, he has established himself as one of the top performers in horse racing.
Known for his excellent riding skills and perseverance, Jose has won numerous races and accolades throughout his career.
What sets Jose apart is not just his natural talent but also his ability to adapt to different types of horses and tracks. His consistency in delivering top performances on various mounts has earned him a reputation among trainers and owners as one of the most reliable jockeys in the industry.
Some notable achievements include winning several prestigious races such as the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, Belmont Oaks Invitational Stakes, Manhattan Handicap, Travers Stakes, Cigar Mile Handicap, Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational Stakes among others.
Rosie Napravnik
Rosie Napravnik is widely considered one of the best female jockeys in history. She made her debut at the age of 17 and went on to win over 1,800 races throughout her career.
Napravnik’s reputation as a talented jockey was further cemented when she won the Kentucky Oaks twice – once in 2012 with Believe You Can and again in 2014 with Untapable.
Her incredible achievements were recognized when she was voted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame in 2021 alongside other greats like Calvin Borel and John Velazquez.
Rafael Bejarano
Rafael Bejarano is a highly acclaimed jockey with an impressive track record in the horse racing industry. He has won numerous races and earned several accolades throughout his career.
Bejarano’s success can be attributed to his exceptional riding skills, reputation among trainers and owners, and his ability to ride different types of horses.
Bejarano has set records and achieved milestones that have made him one of the most significant figures in horse racing history. His achievements include winning over 4,000 races, being named Champion Jockey at Santa Anita Park five times, and earning recognition as one of the top jockeys in Kentucky Derby history.
Qualities That Make These Jockeys Stand Out
These top jockeys stand out because of their consistency and longevity in the sport, their ability to ride different types of horses, their reputation among trainers and owners, their good work ethics, as well as their impressive achievements and records.
Consistency And Longevity In The Sport
Consistency and longevity are crucial qualities for any jockey’s success in horse racing. The top 10 jockeys in the USA have consistently proved their skills by winning countless races over many years.
For instance, Irad Ortiz Jr. has won numerous riding awards year after year since he started his riding career in 2011.
Moreover, consistency is not just about winning races but also about staying injury-free while keeping up with the demands of the sport. Joseph Talamo and Garrett Gomez are both examples of riders who have had to take time off due to injuries but bounced back stronger than ever before to win major stakes races across America.
Ability To Ride Different Types Of Horses
One of the key qualities that make these top jockeys stand out is their ability to ride different types of horses. Horse racing requires riders to adapt to various thoroughbreds, each with its own unique personality and style of running.
Riders who can tackle the challenges presented by diverse horse breeds have an added advantage in the competitive world of equestrian sports. Top performers like Irad Ortiz Jr., Luis Saez, and Flavien Prat have shown great versatility in this regard, having won races on various types of horses throughout their careers.
Reputation Among Trainers And Owners
A jockey’s reputation is crucial to their success in the sport. Trainers and owners rely on a jockey’s expertise and ability to make decisions during races that can ultimately lead to victories.
The top 10 jockeys in the USA have gained tremendous reputations for their skills, consistency, and professionalism. For instance, Irad Ortiz Jr. has been known for his work ethic and versatility on different types of horses, earning him a spot at the top of the ranking list.
Similarly, Luis Saez has earned high praise from trainers and owners for his ability to communicate effectively with horses during races.
Furthermore, some of these jockeys have developed long-standing relationships with particular trainers or horse owners due to their consistent performances over time, which increases trust between them.
Garrett Gomez was able to establish such an understanding when he was alive before his unfortunate demise early this decade; as one of the most successful American thoroughbred jockeys with numerous records under his belt helped him earn an excellent reputation among owners who knew he could bring home wins consistently.
Good Work Ethics
One of the qualities that make these top jockeys stand out is their good work ethics. Being a jockey requires dedication and discipline since they need to maintain a strict diet and exercise regimen while also staying in peak physical condition.
These jockeys have shown an exceptional commitment to their craft, putting in long hours at the track, working closely with trainers and owners, and continuously honing their riding skills.
They understand the importance of hard work and realize that it takes more than just talent to succeed in this competitive industry. For instance, Irad Ortiz Jr., who is currently the top-ranked jockey in the USA, puts in a lot of practice time riding horses before big races.
His commitment has earned him multiple awards as well as recognition from fellow riders for his professionalism on and off the track.
Achievements And Records Of Top Jockeys
These top jockeys have achieved a plethora of remarkable feats throughout their careers, showcasing their prowess in the equestrian world. Below is a table highlighting some notable achievements and records held by the top 10 jockeys in the USA.
| Jockey | Achievements | Records |
|---|---|---|
| Irad Ortiz Jr. | Winner of multiple Eclipse Awards and Breeders’ Cup races | Most earnings in a year (2018 & 2019) |
| Luis Saez | Consistent performer in top-tier races, including a Kentucky Derby win | Second highest earnings in 2021 |
| Flavien Prat | Victories in the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, and Preakness Stakes | Over 1300 wins |
| Shaun Bridgmohan | One of the youngest jockeys to ride 2,000 winners | More than 3,000 career wins |
| Edgar Prado | Over 7,000 career wins and induction into the Hall of Fame | One of only 18 jockeys with 7,000+ career wins |
| Joseph Talamo | Winner of multiple graded stakes races and Breeders’ Cup races | Over 2,000 career wins |
| Garrett Gomez | Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey twice and 13 Breeders’ Cup wins | Record for most stakes wins in a year (76 in 2007) |
| Jose Ortiz | Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey and multiple Breeders’ Cup victories | Over 1,800 career wins |
| Rosie Napravnik | Two-time Kentucky Oaks winner and Breeders’ Cup Distaff winner | One of the most successful female jockeys of all time |
| Rafael Bejarano | Four-time leading rider at Keeneland and multiple Breeders’ Cup wins | Over 4,000 career wins |
Challenges Faced By Jockeys In The USA
Jockeys in the USA face numerous challenges, including strict weight restrictions and the constant risk of injury, but their love for the sport keeps them pushing forward.
Weight Restrictions
Jockeys in the USA have to maintain a specific weight range to ride racehorses. This requirement is crucial for the safety and health of both horse and rider. It is not uncommon for jockeys to diet or even use extreme measures like cutting off limbs or sweating out fluids in sauna suits before races, just to meet their target weight.
The strict nature of these weight restrictions can put considerable pressure on jockeys, as they need to maintain a delicate balance between staying fit enough to ride at their best while also keeping within the prescribed limit.
Risk Of Injury
Horse racing jockeys are some of the toughest athletes around, withstanding constant risks and dangers in every race. They face falls from galloping horses, collisions with other riders or obstacles, and even getting stepped on by their own mount.
Unlike other sports where injuries might sideline athletes for a season or two, horse racing jockeys often ride again just days after an injury.
According to statistics provided by the Jockey’s Guild, in 2019 alone there were over 1500 reported injuries from horse racing incidents across all skill levels of riders.
These injuries ranged from minor sprains to life-threatening fractures that could have ended the rider’s career or worse if not treated promptly.
Pressure To Perform
One of the biggest challenges faced by jockeys in the USA is the pressure to perform. Jockeys are expected to compete at high levels and win races consistently, which requires a significant amount of physical and mental stamina.
The pressure comes from both trainers and owners who want their horses to win and from fans who expect top performances every time a jockey steps onto the track.
The pressure can take its toll on jockeys both physically and mentally, leading to burnout or injuries if they do not manage it properly. Some notable examples include Gary Stevens, who retired due to injury after struggling with weight restrictions and mounting pressures for years, as well as Mike Smith, who has taken breaks due to stress-related issues.
Competition For Top Mounts
Top jockeys in the USA face fierce competition for top mounts, which can often dictate their success in the sport. The best trainers and owners are always looking for jockeys who can deliver results, and they are quick to switch riders when necessary.
For example, Irad Ortiz Jr., one of the top jockeys in the country, is known for his ability to ride different types of horses. He has built strong relationships with top trainers like Chad Brown and Steve Asmussen by consistently delivering wins on their horses.
Similarly, Luis Saez has become one of the most sought-after jockeys in recent years due to his impressive track record and reputation among industry insiders.
The Future Of Jockeying In The USA
The future of jockeying in the USA looks bright with more innovative initiatives aimed at reducing risks faced by jockeys. Horse racing stakeholders continue to invest heavily in new technology, such as safety vests and helmets, aimed at enhancing rider safety while ensuring that races remain thrilling events.
Additionally, growing interest among younger generations is expected to keep horse racing vibrant in the United States. With advancements in social media platforms and online betting sites fueling public engagement, fans will have an opportunity to support their favorite horses and jockeys from anywhere around the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the world of horse racing is full of talented jockeys who have dedicated their lives to mastering the craft. The top 10 jockeys in the USA are a testament to this dedication and passion for horse riding competitions.
These individuals possess extraordinary qualities that make them stand out from their peers, including their consistency and longevity in the sport, reputation among trainers and owners, good work ethics, and achievements on record.
However, being a jockey also comes with its unique set of challenges ranging from weight restrictions to risk of injury.
