The excitement is building as we approach the 2024 Belmont Stakes, one of the most prestigious events in the horse racing calendar. As fans eagerly await the thunderous gallop of hooves and the exhilarating competition, keeping an eye on the jockeys steering these magnificent horses to victory is crucial.
Their skill, strategy, and sheer determination make them standout contenders, promising thrilling races and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a seasoned racing enthusiast or a curious newcomer, these jockeys will make the 2024 Belmont Stakes an event to remember.
Below, we’ll examine the top five jockeys for this year’s Belmont Stakes.
Jaime Torres
Jaime Torres quickly makes a name for himself in horse racing. Known for his sharp instincts and impeccable riding skills, Torres has demonstrated expertise that often outshines his peers. His journey to becoming a top jockey is a testament to his dedication, discipline, and relentless pursuit of perfection.
Torres’ career began at a young age, inspired by his family’s deep-rooted passion for horse racing. Over the years, he honed his skills by rigorous training and studying the techniques of successful jockeys who came before him. His hard work paid off as he began to secure wins at prestigious races, earning him a reputation as a formidable competitor.
One of the most anticipated events next year is the Belmont Stakes, where many are already considering 2024 Belmont bets, with Jaime Torres as a top contender. His recent performances suggest that he is more than capable of clinching the title.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he will fare in this high-stakes race. With his growing list of accolades, Jaime Torres is undoubtedly a jockey to watch out for in the upcoming racing seasons.
Brian Hernandez Jr.
Louisiana native Brian Hernandez Jr. earned the 2004 Eclipse Award as an outstanding apprentice jockey and achieved national recognition by guiding Fort Larned to victory in the 2012 Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Throughout the years, Hernandez has developed a robust collaboration with trainer Kenny McPeek. In an unforgettable weekend in 2024, they triumphed in both the Longines Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve at Churchill Downs.
Earlier that year, the duo had clinched victories at Oaklawn Park, securing the Grade 3 Fantasy Stakes with Thorpedo Anna and the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes with Mystik Dan. On May 3, Hernandez secured a notable victory with Thorpedo Anna in the $1.5 million Longines Kentucky Oaks, where their pacesetting run culminated in a commanding win under a sloppy track.
The following day, Hernandez delivered another standout performance in the Kentucky Derby, guiding Mystik Dan through a tight gap along the rail to outlast competitors and capture the prestigious title.
Tyler Gaffalione
Tyler Gaffalione, an American Thoroughbred horse racing jockey, has ascended in the sport over recent years, establishing himself as one of the top jockeys. He has earned prestigious accolades, including the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey, and has consistently won over 200 races in his initial four seasons.
Gaffalione is frequently amongst the top riders in the lead-up to the Kentucky Derby. Throughout his career, he has participated in over 8,500 races, securing more than 1,500 victories, and his total purse earnings have surpassed $71.5 million.
Gaffalione made his racing debut on September 5, 2014, but it didn’t go as planned—he broke last and finished last. Two days later, he secured his first victory in his third career race, riding Holdin Bullets to a win by half a length at Gulfstream.
Despite his rocky start, he found his stride quickly, ending 2014 with 28 wins. Gaffalione’s brilliance was evident by 2015; he had accumulated 217 victories, including five in a single day at Gulfstream, and had won the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey.
John Velazquez
John Velazquez, one of the most accomplished and respected jockeys, has won 6,562 career races through 2023 and is North America’s all-time leader in purse earnings with $476,925,978. Velazquez attended jockey school in Puerto Rico and moved to the United States in March 1990.
Hall of Fame jockey Angel Cordero, Jr. mentored and later became his agent. Velazquez rose to prominence in the late 1990s, capturing the first of his five Saratoga riding titles in 1998 and establishing a record with 65 wins in 2004.
He has secured 26 riding championships at multiple tracks across New York and made history in 2013 by becoming the leading rider in Saratoga with his 694th career win. In October 2020, he became the first rider to win 2,000 races at Belmont Park and 1,000 at Saratoga in August 2022.
Velazquez won the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey in 2004 and 2005. He has won the Kentucky Derby with Animal Kingdom (2011), Always Dreaming (2017), and Authentic (2020). His 2020 Derby win was his 200th Grade 1 victory.
Luis Saez
Hailing from Panama City, Saez began his career at Calder Race Track in the United States in 2009, quickly clinching four consecutive riding titles. He later won multiple riding titles at Gulfstream Park. In the 2013 Belmont Stakes, Saez rode Freedom Child after a victory in the Peter Pan Stakes.
That year, he also saw success with Will Take Charge, winning the Grade 1 Travers Stakes, the Pennsylvania Derby, and the Grade 1 Clark Handicap and finishing second in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Saez and Lea won their 1,000th career race together in January 2014 at Gulfstream Park’s Grade 3 Hal’s Hope handicap.
Final Words
As the 2024 Belmont Stakes approaches, anticipation grows around the jockeys who will showcase their skills and determination in this prestigious event. Each brings unique strengths and experiences, promising an unforgettable Belmont Stakes in 2024.
