Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., originally from Puerto Rico, has made a significant impact on the Kentucky horse racing scene since relocating from New York, capturing his first Churchill Downs leading rider title with 46 wins during the 26-day Fall Meet—an achievement not seen since 2008. Ortiz’s notable victories included wins aboard Further Ado in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2), Alpine Princess in the Falls City Stakes (G3), On Time Girl in the Fern Creek Stakes, and Life of Joy in the Rags to Riches Stakes. His brother, Jose Ortiz, finished second in the standings, while Tyler Gaffalione and Luis Saez tied for third.

Trainer Brad Cox secured his 10th Churchill Downs title with 21 wins, marking his first Fall Meet training title since 2017. Cox had a standout day on November 29, winning five races from eight starters, joining Steve Asmussen as the only trainers to achieve such a feat at Churchill Downs since 1991. Cox also became the eighth all-time leading trainer at Churchill Downs, reaching 501 wins. Teaming with Ortiz, Cox won 18 of 22 races, including four stakes. Godolphin was the leading owner with seven wins, and racing will continue at Turfway Park for the upcoming Holiday and Winter/Spring Meets before returning to Churchill Downs for the 2026 Spring Meet and the 152nd Kentucky Derby in May.