This has been a stellar year in the world of horse racing. March’s Cheltenham Festival was as blockbuster as ever for a plethora of reasons. Willie Mullins’ Galopin Des Champs successfully went back-to-back to claim consecutive Gold Cup victories, while Constitution Hill was never given the same opportunity in the Champion Hurdle. He had to be pulled from the race due to an infection, allowing State Man to assume the spot as favorite and ultimately claim victory.
While Cheltenham remains the pinnacle of horse racing in the UK, across the pond, the Breeder’s Cup is the meeting that whets the American appetite unlike anything else. With not many huge meetings remaining this year, the upcoming Stateside showdown is set to bring the curtain down on a sensational campaign. Fourteen Grade 1 races will take place amidst the stunning seaside backdrop of the iconic Del Mar racecourse in Southern California, with a staggering $31 million set to be awarded to the best performers.
The impressive City of Troy is expected to be one of those show stealers this year. The blistering 3-year-old has had a sensational 2024 campaign, winning both the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and The Derby at Epsom Downs. Now, the latest horse racing odds make him a +350 joint favorite alongside Fierceness to claim the Breeder’s Cup Classic, and the whopping $3,640,000 that comes with it.
Over the years, several jockeys have made SoCal their home, winning more races than anyone else. But who are they? And what were their most triumphant moments?
Mike Smith – 27 Wins
Retired American jockey Mike Smith stands as the most successful jockey in Breeders’ Cup history with an awe-inspiring 27 victories. His exploits in SoCal earned him the nickname “Big Money Mike,” and rightfully so. He raked in a mighty $336 million through his stint in the saddle – the third most all-time – and much of that was earned at the American showpiece meeting.
The New Mexico-born star’s proficiency and calmness under pressure made him a favorite throughout his illustrious tenure. Some of his notable wins include winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic aboard Zenyatta in 2009 and repeating the feat once again on board Arrogate seven years later. Both those victories are considered revered performances, as Smith had to showcase his extraordinary ability to guide his mounts to victory in the most challenging of circumstances.
If that wasn’t enough, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Famer became just the second man in four decades to claim the American Triple Crown on board Justify, with the fearsome double act winning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes back in 2018. His feat was much more impressive because he claimed the honour at the ripe old age of 52, becoming the oldest jockey to win the Triple Crown in history and by some distance.
John R. Velazquez – 20 Wins
Hot on Smith’s heels is John R. Velazquez who has claimed 20 Breeders’ Cup wins throughout his storied career. A jockey with a knack for timing and tactical ingenuity, the Puerto Rican star has built a stellar resume over the decades and his CV is littered with remarkable achievements. He rode Wise Dan to the first of his back-to-back victories in the Breeders’s Cup Mile in 2012 before Jose Lezcano repeated the feat the following year.
His crowning moment however came eight years later when he picked up his first and only Breeder’s Cup Classic victory in 2020. He rode Authentic to victory, holding off a late challenge from Maximum Security, pulling away down the stretch to win by 2+1⁄4 lengths. That victory remains Velasquez’s only one in the most lucrative race in American horse racing and at the age of 53, it’s highly unlikely that he will add another before his career draws to a close.
Irad Ortiz Jr. – 18 Wins
Irad Ortiz Jr., with 18 wins, has quickly risen to prominence as one of the leading jockeys of his generation. His aggressive riding style and keen sense of race dynamics have earned him multiple Breeders’ Cup titles. Notable among his victories is the Breeders’ Cup Classic aboard Vino Rosso in 2019, where Ortiz’s adept handling underlined his status as a top-tier jockey.
Jerry Bailey and Joel Rosario – 15 Wins Each
Jerry Bailey and Joel Rosario each boast 15 victories, cementing their reputations as Breeders’ Cup legends. Bailey, now retired, was known for his strategic mastery and ability to deliver under pressure, while Rosario continues to thrill racing fans with his dynamic riding. Rosario’s win aboard Accelerate in the 2018 Breeders’ Cup Classic is a testament to his exceptional skill and tactical brilliance.
Frankie Dettori – 15 Wins
Frankie Dettori, also with 15 wins, is cherished for his flamboyant style and infectious charisma. His partnership with the legendary horse Enable in the 2018 Breeders’ Cup Turf remains one of the most memorable moments in racing history, showcasing Dettori’s unparalleled rapport with the horse.