Horse racing has a rich history dating back to ancient civilisations with organised competitions seen in Greece, Rome and Egypt. Over the centuries, horse racing has evolved into a prestigious sport particularly in Britain, France and the United States. This led to emergence of events like the Kentucky Derby, Grand National, Cheltenham Festival and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Today with advanced analytics, live streaming and online sportsbooks, horse racing betting offers fans an exciting way to engage with the sport. It’s the expertise and the precision of a top jockey and the strategic planning of a leading trainer that shapes the horse racing industry.
This year, a number of jockeys have risen to the top by delivering standout performances in major races such as the Kentucky Derby, Breeders’ Cup and the Belmont Stakes. These riders have showcased exceptional skill, consistency and tactical intelligence. Let’s discuss some of the top jockeys in 2024.
Flavien Prat
In 2024, French jockey Flavien Prat achieved remarkable success with earnings over $37 million. He set a new record for the number of Grade 1 victories in a single year, surpassing the previous mark held by Jerry Bailey for over two decades. His outstanding performance earned him the prestigious Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey. Prat’s dominance on the track made him a top choice for many bettors, with his consistent success offering substantial returns for those who wagered on him.
With 1,040 starts and 230 wins, his win percentage stood at 22% in 2024. These accomplishments solidify his status as one of the premier jockeys in Thoroughbred racing. Prat’s notable victories in 2024 included the Pegasus World Cup Aboard National Treasure, Metropolitan Handicap riding National Treasure, Diana Stakes with Whitebeam, Breeders’ Cup Classic with Sierra Leone, Jockey Club Gold Cup aboard Highlands Falls and the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf on Moira.
Jose L. Ortiz
In 2024, jockey José L. Ortiz ranked fourth in total earnings with $26 million. His remarkable victories included triumphs in the Grade 2 Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes aboard Zeitlos and the Grade 3 Modesty Stakes presented by Derby City Gaming & Hotel riding Fast as Flight. Jose had an impressive 1,362 starts and 276 wins with a solid win percentage of 20%. One of his standout performances was securing the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile presented by PDJF on November 2, 2024, riding More Than Looks to victory.
Ortiz’s consistent success in Grade 1 events has made him a favorite among bettors. His aggressive yet calculated riding style often results in strong finishes makes him a top choice for wagering. Sports betting websites offer valuable tips and updates on jockey performance, helping punters to make more informed wagers. Just as horse racing attracts bettors to traditional sportsbooks, online casinos like www.norgesspill.com provide a convenient and exciting alternative for those looking to play online casino games and place bets from the comfort of their home.
Irad Ortiz, Jr.
In 2024, Irad Ortiz Jr. solidified his status as one of North America’s premier riders, leading the nation in both wins and earnings. Ortiz had an impressive 1,549 starts and 327 wins and earned $32 million in prize money. He reached a significant career milestone by securing his 4,000th career victory on October 13 at Keeneland Race Course guiding Good Temper to a win in the opening race on the card. Throughout the year, Ortiz maintained an exceptional win rate of approximately 26% across flat turf and all-weather races. His consistent excellence throughout the 2024 season further cemented his reputation as one of the sport’s leading jockeys.
Luis Saez
In 2024, Panamanian jockey Luis Saez continued to showcase his elite riding skills across major North American racing circuits. He achieved a significant milestone by winning the Belmont Stakes aboard Dornoch, marking his second victory in the prestigious race, following his 2021 triumph with Essential Quality.
According to BloodHorse’s leading jockey statistics for 2024, he participated in 1,443 races, securing 235 wins, 213 second-place finishes and 182 third-place finishes, with total earnings of $25,908,933. This impressive record placed him fifth among North American jockeys by earnings for the year. He boasted a 16% win percentage across his 1,443 starts. At Keeneland Race Course, Saez continued his success during the 2024 Spring Meet, winning the Ben Ali Stakes (G3) on Kingsbarns and the Lafayette Stakes on Glengarry. In the Fall Meet, he further showcased his versatility, riding Our Shot to victory in the Woodford Stakes (G2) Presented by FanDuel.
Tyler Gaffalione
Gaffalione recorded 1,478 starts, 250 wins and total prize earnings of $28 million (third in ranking) with an impressive 17% win percentage in 2024. During Keeneland’s 2024 Spring Meet, Gaffalione achieved a remarkable feat by winning two Grade 1 races on the same day. He guided Sierra Leone to victory in the 150th running of the $1 million Toyota Blue Grass Stakes and also secured a win in the Resolute Stakes.
In the 2024 Kentucky Derby, Gaffalione rode Sierra Leone to a narrow second-place finish, losing by a nose in a thrilling three-horse photo finish. However, during the final stretch, his left hand made contact with another horse, resulting in a $2,500 fine imposed by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. He also showcased his versatility by winning the Kitten’s Joy Stakes for the third time, riding First World War to victory. He also secured his second career win in the Raven Run Stakes aboard Emery.
Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr.
Jockey Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr. achieved remarkable milestones in 2024. He won both the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby—a rare feat accomplished by only eight jockeys before him. On May 3, he rode Thorpedo Anna to victory in the Kentucky Oaks, followed by a thrilling win aboard Mystik Dan in the Kentucky Derby on May 4.
Hernandez Jr. maintained a strong performance throughout the year, competing in 795 races and securing 125 wins, 94 second-place finishes, and 88 third-place finishes, with total earnings of $20,749,920. He boasted an impressive 16% win percentage. In recognition of his achievements and sportsmanship, he was honoured with the 2024 Mike Venezia Memorial Award by the New York Racing Association.
Manuel Franco
In 2024, Franco competed in 1,132 races, securing 210 wins and total prize earnings of $18 million (seventh overall), boasting an impressive 19% win percentage. Manuel secured his 12th New York Racing Association (NYRA) riding title during the Belmont at the Big A spring-summer meet, recording 41 wins over 210 starts and amassing $3,148,141 in earnings. This marked his first title at this specific meet, adding to his previous accolades as the leading rider on the NYRA circuit in 2018-2019 and 2023.
Franco’s remarkable performance continued with a five-win day at Aqueduct Racetrack on November 23, 2024, where he won five of six mounts, including a stakes race, and finished third in another stakes event. This achievement earned him the Jockey of the Week title for November 18-24.
Additionally, Franco demonstrated his versatility and skill by dominating Virginia Derby Day at Colonial Downs, securing seven wins overall, including five stakes victories. Notably, he won the Grade 3 Virginia Derby aboard Deterministic and set a new track record in the Colonial Cup with Truly Quality. His outstanding performance during this meet earned him another Jockey of the Week title for September 3-8.
Dylan Davis
Dylan Davis had a remarkable year in 2024, leading all jockeys on the New York Racing Association (NYRA) circuit with 209 wins, including 23 stakes victories. Notably, he secured his first Grade 1 win aboard Carson’s Run in the Saratoga Derby Invitational. Davis recorded 1,128 starts, 213 wins and total prize earnings of $16 million. He had an impressive 19% win percentage. He also clinched meet titles at both the Aqueduct winter and Belmont at the Big A fall meets.
John R. Velazquez
In 2024, Hall of Fame jockey John R. Velazquez continued to demonstrate his exceptional skill and consistency. John recorded 712 starts, securing 106 wins and total prize earnings of $17 million, boasting an impressive 15% win percentage and a top-three finish rate of about 41.5%.
Bettors have long trusted Velazquez in high-stakes races, as his strong win percentage and top-three finish rate make him a reliable choice for both win and place wagers. His ability to consistently deliver in graded stakes races also makes him a popular selection among handicappers looking for value in exotic bets. Throughout his illustrious career, Velazquez has achieved significant milestones, including surpassing 6,000 career wins and becoming North America’s all-time leading money-earning jockey.
Florent Geroux
In 2024, Florent Geroux secured two Grade 1 victories. He recorded 651 starts, achieving 123 wins. He won a total prize money in excess of $16 million with an impressive 19% win percentage. Notably, in January 2025, Geroux was honoured as ‘Jockey of the Week’ following a strong weekend at Fair Grounds, where he won both the GIII Louisiana Stakes aboard Hit Show and the GIII Lecomte Stakes riding Disco Time.
Additionally, Geroux participated in international competitions, including the Dubai World Cup meeting in March 2024, where he rode Run Classic to a seventh-place finish in the Dubai Golden Shaheen and Saudi Crown to twelfth in the Godolphin Mile.
Final Thoughts
As the 2024 horse racing season comes to a close, the achievements of these top jockeys highlight the immense skill, dedication and strategic brilliance required to succeed in the sport. Their stellar performances not only enhance the excitement of the sport but also offer valuable insights for bettors looking to make informed wagers. As online sportsbooks and casinos continue to grow in popularity, the connection between these exceptional jockeys and their devoted fan base will undoubtedly remain a driving force in the dynamic world of horse racing betting.