Thursday, May 15, 2025
Thursday, May 15, 2025
HomeHorse Law NewsTitle: Meet the Jockeys of the 151st Kentucky Derby: A Blend of...

Title: Meet the Jockeys of the 151st Kentucky Derby: A Blend of Experience and New Talent

The roster of accomplished jockeys for the 151st Kentucky Derby (G1) May 3 at Churchill Downs is expected to include six riders that have already won this race and five who are competing in the first leg of the Triple Crown for the first time. Let’s meet 20 of this year’s scheduled riders.

Junior Alvarado
Age: 38
Originally from: Venezuela
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 5
Best finish: 4th in 2016
2025 Derby horse: Sovereignty

One of the leading jockeys in New York and Florida, Junior Alvarado has perhaps his best shot at winning the Kentucky Derby with what will be his sixth starter in the race. He has been aboard Sovereignty for each of his starts save the last, a runner-up finish in the Florida Derby (G1). Alvarado missed that race due to a minor injury, but he’s back now and will pilot the Bill Mott-trained colt in the Derby.

Javier Castellano
Age: 47
Originally from: Venezuela
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 16
Best finish: 1st in 2023
2025 Derby horse: Owen Almighty

Hall of Famer Javier Castellano entered the 2023 Kentucky Derby having appeared 15 prior times without a win. By the evening of May 6, Castellano had put that discussion to bed after giving Mage a perfect ride to win the 149th Derby. This year, Castellano will ride Owen Almighty, winner of the Tampa Bay Derby (G3).

Manny Franco
Age: 30
Originally from: Puerto Rico
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 5
Best finish: 2nd in 2020
2025 Derby horse: East Avenue

Manny Franco has established himself as a perennial leading jockey in the New York Racing Association circuit. He will ride East Avenue in this year’s Derby, likely using the colt’s speed to vie for the early lead.

Martin Garcia
Age: 40
Originally from: Mexico
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 4
Best finish: 3rd in 2015
2025 Derby horse: Citizen Bull

Martin Garcia has earned a reputation as one of the best pace jockeys in the business. He will pilot Citizen Bull, who figures to be vying for frontrunner status again in the Kentucky Derby.

Brian Hernandez Jr.
Age: 39
Originally from: Lafayette, La.
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 5
Best finish: 1st in 2024
2025 Derby horse: Burnham Square

Brian Hernandez Jr. became the eighth jockey to win both the Kentucky Oaks and Derby in the same year. He’ll now have a chance to become the seventh to win back-to-back Kentucky Derbys aboard Burnham Square.

Nik Juarez
Age: 31
Originally from: Westminster, Md.
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 0
2025 Derby horse: American Promise

This will be a year to remember for Nik Juarez as he gets an opportunity to ride in the Kentucky Derby for the first time. He has recently settled at Oaklawn Park, where he has become one of the main jockeys for legendary Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas.

Christophe Lemaire
Age: 45
Originally from: France
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 2
Best finish: 6th in 2023
2025 Derby horse: Admire Daytona

Christophe Lemaire has won some of the most prestigious races in the world and will compete in this year’s Derby aboard Admire Daytona, who earned his spot by winning the United Arab Emirates Derby (G2).

Julien Leparoux
Age: 41
Originally from: France
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 14
Best finish: 4th in 2017
2025 Derby horse: Render Judgment

Julien Leparoux has been a mainstay on the Kentucky circuit for almost 20 years. This year, he’ll be piloting longshot Render Judgment for trainer Ken McPeek.

Jareth Loveberry
Age: 37
Originally from: Mount Pleasant, Mich.
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 1
Best finish: 2nd in 2023
2025 Derby horse: Chunk of Gold

Will the second Kentucky Derby be the charm for Jareth Loveberry? He returns for another try aboard longshot Chunk of Gold.

Luan Machado
Age: 30
Originally from: Brazil
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 0
2025 Derby horse: Final Gambit

Riding horses is a family occupation for first-time Kentucky Derby jockey Luan Machado, who has won five meet titles at Turfway Park.

João Moreira
Age: 41
Originally from: Brazil
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 0
2025 Derby horse: Luxor Café

Nicknamed the "Magic Man," João Moreira has been a leading jockey in Hong Kong and will make his first start in the Kentucky Derby aboard Luxor Café.

Irad Ortiz Jr.
Age: 32
Originally from: Puerto Rico
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 8
Best finish: 4th in 2019
2025 Derby horse: Publisher

Irad Ortiz Jr. is still in search of his first Kentucky Derby victory. This year he has his work cut out for him as he’s set to ride Publisher.

Jose Ortiz
Age: 31
Originally from: Puerto Rico
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 9
Best finish: 2nd in 2018
2025 Derby horse: Sandman

Jose Ortiz has had more success in the Kentucky Derby than his brother Irad, finishing second aboard Good Magic in 2018. This year he will pilot Arkansas Derby winner Sandman.

Flavien Prat
Age: 32
Originally from: France
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 7
Best finish: 1st in 2019
2025 Derby horse: Neoequos and Baeza

Flavien Prat’s 2024 was one for the record books, and he has first preference to ride Baeza should he join the field.

Joseph Ramos
Age: 25
Originally from: Puerto Rico
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 0
2025 Derby horse: Flying Mohawk

In his seventh year as a professional jockey, Joe Ramos has reached the big time with his first Kentucky Derby mount.

Umberto Rispoli
Age: 36
Originally from: Italy
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 2
Best finish: 9th in 2024
2025 Derby horse: Journalism

Umberto Rispoli has situated himself among the top tier of jockeys based in Southern California and will wear the favorite’s cap in the Kentucky Derby aboard Journalism.

Joel Rosario
Age: 40
Originally from: Dominican Republic
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 13
Best finish: 1st in 2013
2025 Derby horse: Tiztastic

Joel Rosario, a Racing Hall of Fame inductee, will put his finishing ability to the test this year aboard deep closer Tiztastic.

Mike Smith
Age: 59
Originally from: Dexter, N.M.
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 28
Best finish: 1st in 2005 and 2018
2025 Derby horse: Rodriguez

Mike Smith returns to the Kentucky Derby for the first time since 2022, looking to add to his impressive record.

Juan Vargas
Age: 43
Originally from: Peru
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: none
2025 Derby horse: Coal Battle

Juan Vargas has been a fixture in Louisiana and is now carrying the "little guy" banner into Kentucky Derby 151.

John Velazquez
Age: 54
Originally from: Puerto Rico
Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 26
Best finish: 1st in 2011, 2017, and 2020
2025 Derby horse: Grande

John Velazquez has reached every professional pinnacle imaginable for a jockey and will regain the mount aboard Grande in the Kentucky Derby.

Title: Meet the Jockeys of the 151st Kentucky Derby: A Blend of Experience and New Talent The roster of accomplished jockeys for the 151st Kentucky Derby (G1) May 3 at Churchill Downs is expected to include six riders that have already won this race and five who are competing in the first leg of the Triple Crown for the first time. Let’s meet 20 of this year’s scheduled riders. Junior Alvarado Age: 38 Originally from: Venezuela Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 5 Best finish: 4th in 2016 2025 Derby horse: Sovereignty One of the leading jockeys in New York and Florida, Junior Alvarado has perhaps his best shot at winning the Kentucky Derby with what will be his sixth starter in the race. He has been aboard Sovereignty for each of his starts save the last, a runner-up finish in the Florida Derby (G1). Alvarado missed that race due to a minor injury, but he’s back now and will pilot the Bill Mott-trained colt in the Derby. Javier Castellano Age: 47 Originally from: Venezuela Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 16 Best finish: 1st in 2023 2025 Derby horse: Owen Almighty Hall of Famer Javier Castellano entered the 2023 Kentucky Derby having appeared 15 prior times without a win. By the evening of May 6, Castellano had put that discussion to bed after giving Mage a perfect ride to win the 149th Derby. This year, Castellano will ride Owen Almighty, winner of the Tampa Bay Derby (G3). Manny Franco Age: 30 Originally from: Puerto Rico Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 5 Best finish: 2nd in 2020 2025 Derby horse: East Avenue Manny Franco has established himself as a perennial leading jockey in the New York Racing Association circuit. He will ride East Avenue in this year’s Derby, likely using the colt’s speed to vie for the early lead. Martin Garcia Age: 40 Originally from: Mexico Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 4 Best finish: 3rd in 2015 2025 Derby horse: Citizen Bull Martin Garcia has earned a reputation as one of the best pace jockeys in the business. He will pilot Citizen Bull, who figures to be vying for frontrunner status again in the Kentucky Derby. Brian Hernandez Jr. Age: 39 Originally from: Lafayette, La. Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 5 Best finish: 1st in 2024 2025 Derby horse: Burnham Square Brian Hernandez Jr. became the eighth jockey to win both the Kentucky Oaks and Derby in the same year. He’ll now have a chance to become the seventh to win back-to-back Kentucky Derbys aboard Burnham Square. Nik Juarez Age: 31 Originally from: Westminster, Md. Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 0 2025 Derby horse: American Promise This will be a year to remember for Nik Juarez as he gets an opportunity to ride in the Kentucky Derby for the first time. He has recently settled at Oaklawn Park, where he has become one of the main jockeys for legendary Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas. Christophe Lemaire Age: 45 Originally from: France Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 2 Best finish: 6th in 2023 2025 Derby horse: Admire Daytona Christophe Lemaire has won some of the most prestigious races in the world and will compete in this year’s Derby aboard Admire Daytona, who earned his spot by winning the United Arab Emirates Derby (G2). Julien Leparoux Age: 41 Originally from: France Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 14 Best finish: 4th in 2017 2025 Derby horse: Render Judgment Julien Leparoux has been a mainstay on the Kentucky circuit for almost 20 years. This year, he’ll be piloting longshot Render Judgment for trainer Ken McPeek. Jareth Loveberry Age: 37 Originally from: Mount Pleasant, Mich. Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 1 Best finish: 2nd in 2023 2025 Derby horse: Chunk of Gold Will the second Kentucky Derby be the charm for Jareth Loveberry? He returns for another try aboard longshot Chunk of Gold. Luan Machado Age: 30 Originally from: Brazil Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 0 2025 Derby horse: Final Gambit Riding horses is a family occupation for first-time Kentucky Derby jockey Luan Machado, who has won five meet titles at Turfway Park. João Moreira Age: 41 Originally from: Brazil Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 0 2025 Derby horse: Luxor Café Nicknamed the "Magic Man," João Moreira has been a leading jockey in Hong Kong and will make his first start in the Kentucky Derby aboard Luxor Café. Irad Ortiz Jr. Age: 32 Originally from: Puerto Rico Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 8 Best finish: 4th in 2019 2025 Derby horse: Publisher Irad Ortiz Jr. is still in search of his first Kentucky Derby victory. This year he has his work cut out for him as he’s set to ride Publisher. Jose Ortiz Age: 31 Originally from: Puerto Rico Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 9 Best finish: 2nd in 2018 2025 Derby horse: Sandman Jose Ortiz has had more success in the Kentucky Derby than his brother Irad, finishing second aboard Good Magic in 2018. This year he will pilot Arkansas Derby winner Sandman. Flavien Prat Age: 32 Originally from: France Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 7 Best finish: 1st in 2019 2025 Derby horse: Neoequos and Baeza Flavien Prat’s 2024 was one for the record books, and he has first preference to ride Baeza should he join the field. Joseph Ramos Age: 25 Originally from: Puerto Rico Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 0 2025 Derby horse: Flying Mohawk In his seventh year as a professional jockey, Joe Ramos has reached the big time with his first Kentucky Derby mount. Umberto Rispoli Age: 36 Originally from: Italy Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 2 Best finish: 9th in 2024 2025 Derby horse: Journalism Umberto Rispoli has situated himself among the top tier of jockeys based in Southern California and will wear the favorite’s cap in the Kentucky Derby aboard Journalism. Joel Rosario Age: 40 Originally from: Dominican Republic Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 13 Best finish: 1st in 2013 2025 Derby horse: Tiztastic Joel Rosario, a Racing Hall of Fame inductee, will put his finishing ability to the test this year aboard deep closer Tiztastic. Mike Smith Age: 59 Originally from: Dexter, N.M. Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 28 Best finish: 1st in 2005 and 2018 2025 Derby horse: Rodriguez Mike Smith returns to the Kentucky Derby for the first time since 2022, looking to add to his impressive record. Juan Vargas Age: 43 Originally from: Peru Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: none 2025 Derby horse: Coal Battle Juan Vargas has been a fixture in Louisiana and is now carrying the "little guy" banner into Kentucky Derby 151. John Velazquez Age: 54 Originally from: Puerto Rico Previous rides in the Kentucky Derby: 26 Best finish: 1st in 2011, 2017, and 2020 2025 Derby horse: Grande John Velazquez has reached every professional pinnacle imaginable for a jockey and will regain the mount aboard Grande in the Kentucky Derby.

The 151st Kentucky Derby, set for May 3 at Churchill Downs, features a diverse roster of 20 jockeys, including six past winners and five first-time competitors. Notable riders include Junior Alvarado, who aims for his first win aboard Sovereignty, and Javier Castellano, who recently broke his Derby winless streak with Mage in 2023 and will ride Owen Almighty this year. Other experienced jockeys like Manny Franco and Martin Garcia are also in the mix, each bringing their unique skills and past performances to the prestigious race.

Several first-time Derby participants are looking to make their mark, such as Nik Juarez, who rides American Promise after a successful partnership with trainer D. Wayne Lukas, and João Moreira, known as the “Magic Man,” who will pilot Luxor Café. Additionally, young jockeys like Joseph Ramos and Luan Machado are seizing their first Derby opportunities, showcasing the blend of seasoned talent and fresh faces in this year’s lineup.

The competition is fierce, with established jockeys like Mike Smith, a two-time Derby winner, and John Velazquez, who has three Derby victories, returning to the track. Each jockey brings a wealth of experience and strategy, setting the stage for an exciting race filled with potential surprises and thrilling performances as they vie for the coveted title.

Source:
www.bloodhorse.com
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Title: "Willie Mullins vs. Dan Skelton: The Thrilling Trainers’ Championship Showdown"

The trainers’ title fight between Willie Mullins and Dan Skelton is well and truly on following the Irish maestro’s incredible Grand National result last Saturday.

Nick Rockett led home a 1-2-3-5-7 for the Closutton gang to cap off a brilliant Aintree Grand National Festival that included bagging four consecutive Grade 1s on the opening day and cut Skelton’s lead in the standings to roughly £120,000.

Skelton was the heavy odds-on favourite with Paddy Power to win the trainers’ championship before Mullins’ Merseyside magnificence and the roles have reversed as the current title holder sends a boat load of runners across the Irish Sea to Ayr on Saturday for a lucrative fixture headlined by the Scottish Grand National.

He boasts a total of 17 horses across the card and, crucially, a runner in every race. Skelton, meanwhile, has declared six horses across four renewals.

We’ve rounded up the two trainers’ runners across the cracking card and Timeform’s verdict on every race, otherwise, you can find the latest trainers’ championship odds on the Paddy Power website and Paddy Power app.

Prize Money: £50,000 (Winner: £28,135)
Dan Skelton saddles Etalon and Asta La Pasta (also declared Ayr Friday 15:50).
Willie Mullins saddles Western Diego.
Timeform: It evidently hasn’t been plain sailing for Dan Skelton with ETALON this campaign, yet there were definite signs of a revival on his penultimate start at Sandown and, with a tongue strap refitted (also had a wind op) following a lesser run at Kempton, he could just be worth chancing to bounce back. Western Diego is sure to be popular on handicap debut and along with Traprain Law and Homme Public, heads up the dangers in a competitive opener.

Prize Money: £50,000 (Winner: £25,720)
Dan Skelton saddles Theformismighty.
Willie Mullins saddles Loughglynn.
Timeform: LOUGHGLYNN has progressed well in maiden chases this season and his opening mark may well underestimate him with further improvement on the cards. Eyed has done nothing but improve for his current yard and rates the main threat ahead of the tough and likeable Masaccio.

Prize Money: £100,000 (Winner: £56,270)
Dan Skelton saddles Valgrand.
Willie Mullins saddles Batman Girac, Bunting, Ethical Diamond and Karafon.
Timeform: ETHICAL DIAMOND was an eyecatcher when fourth in the County at Cheltenham and can build on that promise and provide his yard with a significant winner in the trainers’ title race. Kabral du Mathan brings solid big-field form and is second choice ahead of another Willie Mullins runner Bunting, who proved way too headstrong in the 21f Coral Cup at Cheltenham but could prove a different proposition back at 2m.

Prize Money: £45,000 (Winner: £23,148)
Willie Mullins saddles Armed And Fabulous.
Timeform: RUBY ISLAND has been improving for Nicky Richards and arrives on the back of a career-best when winning at this course (21.4f). She has a fine record here and makes most appeal with this longer trip expected to suit. Lightly-raced Fox’s Fancy finished only a neck behind the selection last time, and she may well improve on her second run of the season returning to 3m. Rockola Vogue is unexposed over staying distances, as is Armed And Fabulous representing title-chasing Willie Mullins.

Prize Money: £200,000 (Winner: £112,540)
Dan Skelton saddles Sail Away and Snipe.
Willie Mullins saddles Captain Cody, Chosen Witness, Klarc Kent, Macdermott, Olympic Man and Spanish Harlem.
Timeform: Willie Mullins took this 12 months ago and could again hold sway with his unexposed handicap debutant CHOSEN WITNESS taken to emerge on top now he tackles a marathon trip for the first time. Joe Tizzard’s new recruit Rock My Way could emerge as the chief threat on the back of an excellent second in Cheltenham’s National Hunt Chase, with The Kniphand, Wiseguy and Surrey Quest also firmly in the picture. Olympic Man and Captain Cody can’t be ruled out either from the all-conquering Mullins camp.

Prize Money: £20,000 (Winner: £10,562)
Willie Mullins saddles C’Est Ta Chance and Jump Allen.
Timeform: A clutch of potential improvers on show but JUMP ALLEN looks the way to go for Willie Mullins having turned a competitive-looking Naas handicap into a one-sided affair a month ago. Histrionic beat a subsequent winner at Chepstow and his limit has not yet been reached, with Calimystic another likeable type.

Prize Money: £20,000 (Winner: £10,406)
Willie Mullins saddles Chart Topper.
Timeform: QUEENSBURY BOY and Chart Topper are the pair that make most appeal. The latter has clocked some strong timefigures, notably when second in a Grade 2 at Kelso on most recent outing, but the former has more scope to improve further as a hurdler given his smart bumper form, which swings the vote narrowly in his favour.

Prize Money: £16,500 (Winner: £8,986)
Willie Mullins saddles Dysart Dolomite.
Timeform: Willie Mullins newcomer DYSART DOLOMITE is bred to be smart and gets the vote, with confidence increased should the betting vibes be strong. Conman John shaped well on his Newcastle bumper debut and is second choice ahead of Rules newcomer Kaklbrenner, who has had the form of his point win boosted.

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Navigating Family Dynamics and Village Life: A Guide to Tactful Solutions

Q. My soon-to-be mother-in-law has started off-loading large amounts of her expensive but hideous cast-off clothes on to me. I don’t want them for many reasons, but we are moving into a much larger flat with lots of cupboards, so I can’t use limited space as a reason to reject them. She is not controlling, just tone-deaf. Can you help at all?

— Name and address withheld

A. Scroll through your contacts and source an impoverished and unchippy friend who would genuinely jump at the chance to refresh her wardrobe with these luxury cast-offs. Regale your mother-in-law with vivid hardship anecdotes about this friend, adding: ‘Incidentally, she is actually obsessed by you as a style model.’ Thereby you can gradually groom her to want to donate the clothing directly to this person, instead of to you.

Q. I have recently moved to an inland village where everyone gets on well but one village elder is something of a curmudgeon. I brought in a coastal plant called Alexanders, also known as horse parsley, from seed collected at my previous home in Anglesey, and was delighted to see two specimens had seeded and were standing proud in the village verges. This Roman potherb, which can often be found in the grounds of old monasteries and castles, is an excellent source of nectar for a very wide variety of pollinators and runs no risk of becoming invasive here, as the verges are mown by the council. I was devastated when I saw, from my window, the curmudgeon savagely beating them down with his walking stick.

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