Jose L. Ortiz Wins the Kentucky Derby aboard Golden Tempo (Credit: Scott Utterback/Courier Journal)
When race day arrives, much of the attention naturally falls on the horses. But sitting in the saddle is another elite athlete whose split-second decisions can determine the outcome of a race.
The best jockeys in the country combine strength, balance, timing, race awareness, and an incredible understanding of equine behavior. They study pace, memorize opponents' tendencies, build relationships with trainers, and often spend years earning the trust that leads to rides on the nation's biggest stages.
This week, we're taking a closer look at the five leading jockeys in North America by purse earnings in 2026. While each has a unique riding style, they all share one thing in common: an unmatched ability to consistently put their horses in the best possible position to win.
1. José L. Ortiz
2026 Statistics
- Starts: 700
- Wins: 164
- Earnings: $22.2 million
- Win Percentage: 23%
Career Snapshot
Born in Puerto Rico, José Ortiz arrived in the United States in 2012 after graduating from Puerto Rico's famed Escuela Vocacional Hípica, the same jockey school that has produced many of racing's biggest stars—including his younger brother, Irad Ortiz Jr.
José quickly became one of the sport's premier riders, earning the Eclipse Award as Outstanding Jockey in 2017 while amassing more than 4,000 career victories and $400 million in purse earnings.
What He's Known For
José is regarded as one of racing's most patient riders. Rarely in a hurry, he excels at saving ground, relaxing his mount early, and producing a perfectly timed late run. Trainers often trust him with turf horses because of his exceptional race management and ability to judge pace.
Watch José give 2026 Kentucky Derby longshot Golden Tempo the ride of his life, securing the Puerto Rican native his first Derby Victory.
Major Connections
José regularly rides for many of the sport's elite operations, including Chad Brown, Bill Mott, Todd Pletcher, and Godolphin. While he is not retained exclusively by one stable, his reputation has made him a first-call option for many of the country's biggest owners.
2. Irad Ortiz Jr.
2026 Statistics
- Starts: 735
- Wins: 180
- Earnings: $22.2 million
- Win Percentage: 24%
Career Snapshot
Few jockeys have dominated American racing over the past decade like Irad Ortiz Jr. Since arriving from Puerto Rico in 2011, he has captured multiple Eclipse Awards while becoming one of the highest-earning riders in Thoroughbred history.
Known for his relentless competitiveness, Irad has won nearly every major race in North America, including multiple Breeders' Cup races, Triple Crown preps, and Grade 1 stakes.
What He's Known For
If José is patient, Irad is fearless.
He's famous for aggressive race tactics, securing inside position, and putting horses exactly where they need to be. His ability to anticipate developing situations often allows him to save valuable ground and capitalize before other riders react. Remember Appellate breaking her maiden after 8 starts? Irad was aboard for that win, along with The Town’s maiden win at Gulfstream Park in February. More recently, we watched a textbook ride with Chasing Liberty in the Jim McKay Turf Sprint Stakes.
Many horsemen consider him one of the strongest finishers in the game.
Watch Irad secure the 2019 Breeders’ Cup Classic aboard Vino Rosso.
Major Connections
Irad enjoys long-standing relationships with Chad Brown, Todd Pletcher, Bill Mott, Shug McGaughey, and owners including Klaravich Stable and Repole Stable.
3. Flavien Prat
2026 Statistics
- Starts: 616
- Wins: 151
- Earnings: $19.7 million
- Win Percentage: 25%
Career Snapshot
Originally from France, Flavien Prat developed riding on European turf courses before relocating to California in 2015. Since then, he has become one of the most versatile jockeys in North America, winning the 2019 Kentucky Derby via disqualification aboard Country House and earning the Eclipse Award in 2023.
Today, he rides successfully from coast to coast.
What He's Known For
Prat possesses remarkably quiet hands and balance in the saddle. Rather than asking a horse aggressively, he allows many horses to find their own rhythm before gradually building momentum.
His smooth style has made him one of the country's premier turf riders while proving equally effective on dirt.
Watch Prat ride undefeated Flightline to an 8 ⅛ length victory in the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Major Connections
He frequently rides for Chad Brown, Bob Baffert, Brad Cox, Bill Mott, and owners including Juddmonte, Klaravich Stable, and WinStar Farm.
4. Tyler Gaffalione
2026 Statistics
- Starts: 772
- Wins: 117
- Earnings: $14.4 million
- Win Percentage: 15%
Career Snapshot
A Florida native, Tyler Gaffalione burst onto the national scene after dominating Gulfstream Park's riding colony before becoming one of Kentucky's leading jockeys.
Still in his early 30s, he has already accumulated more than 3,000 career victories and $300 million in purse earnings.
What He's Known For
Gaffalione's greatest strength is consistency.
He's excellent at getting horses away from the gate cleanly and putting them in comfortable rhythm. Trainers appreciate his calm demeanor and ability to adapt to many different running styles, making him one of the busiest riders in the country.
Watch Gaffalione win the 2019 Preakness Stakes with War of Will, giving the Floridian his first jewel of the Triple Crown.
Major Connections
Brad Cox, Mark Casse, Brendan Walsh, Saffie Joseph Jr., and many Kentucky-based stables regularly call upon Gaffalione.
5. John Velazquez
2026 Statistics
- Starts: 458
- Wins: 78
- Earnings: $10.9 million
- Win Percentage: 17%
Career Snapshot
Few names command more respect than Hall of Famer John Velazquez.
After more than three decades riding in the United States, "Johnny V" has accumulated over 6,700 victories, multiple Eclipse Awards, and more than $500 million in career purse earnings—the first jockey in history to surpass that milestone.
His résumé includes victories in nearly every major race, highlighted by Kentucky Derby wins aboard Animal Kingdom, Always Dreaming, and Authentic. He was inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame in 2012, holds victories in each of the Triple Crown races, and has consistently ranked at the top since 2000.
What He's Known For
Experience.
Velazquez is one of racing's best judges of pace. He wastes little motion, keeps horses relaxed, and has an uncanny ability to make the correct tactical decision under pressure.
Many younger riders openly credit him as someone they've learned from.
Watch Velazquez capture the 2007 Belmont Stakes aboard filly Rags to Ritches, defeating the boys!
Major Connections
Johnny V has enjoyed decades-long relationships with Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher and owners including Repole Stable, Spendthrift Farm, WinStar Farm, and St. Elias Stable.
First Call, Retainers, and Why Relationships Matter
If you've noticed certain jockeys repeatedly riding for the same trainers, that's no coincidence.
Many of racing's top riders become a trainer's "first-call" jockey—the rider a trainer contacts before anyone else. These partnerships are built over years of trust, communication, and success.
In some cases, particularly with international racing organizations like Godolphin or Juddmonte, jockeys may even ride under a formal retainer agreement, giving those owners priority access to their services.
These long-term relationships benefit everyone involved. Trainers know exactly how a jockey likes to ride, jockeys understand each horse's quirks, and together they develop strategies that maximize every opportunity on race day.
Takeaways
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🏇 Top jockeys are elite athletes. Success in the saddle requires exceptional fitness, balance, race awareness, and split-second decision-making—not just riding ability.
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🤝 Relationships matter. The nation's best jockeys often become the "first-call" rider for leading trainers and owners, earning those opportunities through years of trust and consistent results.
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📈 Statistics only tell part of the story. While wins and earnings are impressive, each rider has a unique style—from José Ortiz's patience to Irad Ortiz Jr.'s aggressive positioning and Flavien Prat's smooth, tactical approach.
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🏆 Experience at the highest level is invaluable. These riders have won the sport's biggest races, including the Kentucky Derby, Breeders' Cup, and countless Grade 1 events, making them trusted partners when the stakes are highest.
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🎯 A top jockey can make a difference. While no rider can overcome every circumstance, their ability to judge pace, save ground, and make split-second decisions often gives their mount the best possible chance to succeed.
Next time you see one of these names listed in the program, you'll know you're watching one of the very best in the sport—athletes whose talent, experience, and horsemanship have earned them a place among racing's elite.
See you next week for another article to bring you closer to the sport you love.
Important Disclosures
This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a recommendation, offer, or solicitation to buy or sell any security or interest in a horse. References to race entries, fees, or outcomes are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent or predict future results. Past performance of any horse or participant is not indicative of future outcomes.
