The jockeys in horse racing are the athletes who often go underappreciated, yet their skill and decision-making can make all the difference in a race’s outcome. As we enter 2025, a new generation of riders (along with some already established young talent) are making headlines in the U.S. horse racing scene. Here are five top jockeys to watch in 2025, each poised for continued success:
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Irad Ortiz Jr. – A dominant force on the New York racing circuit, Irad Ortiz Jr. has led the nation in wins and earnings multiple times in recent years. In his early 30s, Irad is already a three-time Eclipse Award winner for Outstanding Jockey. Known for his aggressive riding style and ability to finish strongly in tight races, he consistently wins big events on both dirt and turf. In 2025, expect Irad to continue racking up Grade 1 victories and to be a major presence in the Triple Crown races and Breeders’ Cup events.
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Flavien Prat – Originally from France, Flavien Prat has become one of America’s elite jockeys. After dominating the Southern California circuit for years, Prat began riding more on the East Coast and found success nationwide, including a Kentucky Derby win in 2019 (via disqualification, on Country House). Prat is admired for his tactical genius—he has a knack for positioning horses perfectly and finding a winning path in crowded fields. With multiple Breeders’ Cup wins under his belt and still in his early 30s, Prat’s star continues to rise. Look for him aboard many top contenders in 2025’s biggest races across the country.
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Luis Saez – Hailing from Panama, Luis Saez has become a fixture atop the leaderboards at major U.S. tracks like Gulfstream Park, Saratoga, and Churchill Downs. Saez is known for his strength and tenacity, often getting the most out of front-running horses and fighting fiercely in close finishes. He scored a long-awaited first Kentucky Derby (albeit via disqualification) when he was awarded the 2021 Derby on Mandaloun after the original winner was disqualified. Saez also won the Belmont Stakes in 2021 with Essential Quality. Now in his early 30s, he is in his prime riding years. In 2025, Saez will likely continue to partner with top horses from leading trainers, and his aggressive style can be expected to yield more high-profile victories.
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Tyler Gaffalione – A young star from Florida, Tyler Gaffalione has quickly risen through the ranks with riding titles at Gulfstream and Keeneland, and he’s become a go-to jockey on the Kentucky circuit. Tyler won the Preakness Stakes in 2019 aboard War of Will, marking his arrival on the classic stage. He’s praised for his work ethic and well-rounded skill set, being equally adept at rating a horse off the pace or going wire-to-wire on a frontrunner. Still in his late 20s, Gaffalione has a long career ahead. In 2025, he could take on even bigger roles, possibly securing more Grade 1 wins and contending for national earnings leadership as he continues to ride for prominent trainers.
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Juan Hernandez – On the West Coast, Juan J. Hernandez has emerged as the leading rider at Santa Anita Park and Del Mar in recent seasons. With several top California jockeys moving East or retiring, Hernandez seized the opportunity and has dominated the standings. He’s been winning at a high percentage, including numerous graded stakes for prominent West Coast trainers. Known for a polished riding style and good judgment of pace, Hernandez is becoming a trusted name for top mounts in California. In 2025, as major races like the Santa Anita Derby and Pacific Classic come around (and with the Breeders’ Cup set to return to Santa Anita as well), keep an eye on Juan Hernandez as he continues to solidify his reputation on the national stage.
These jockeys represent the cream of the crop among the younger generation and established rising talent in horse racing. Each brings a unique style and skill set to the track, and their battles against each other in high-stakes races will be a storyline to follow. As the 2025 racing season unfolds, the performances of Irad Ortiz Jr., Flavien Prat, Luis Saez, Tyler Gaffalione, and Juan Hernandez will be key for racing fans and bettors looking for riders who can deliver winning rides.