Top Jockeys and Their Horses for the 2025 Kentucky Derby

Top jockeys are set to clash in the highly anticipated Kentucky Derby 2025, promising an electrifying race day. Each rider brings elite skill, sharp instincts, and a hunger for Derby glory.

Fans can expect fierce competition and thrilling finishes from these seasoned champions. The race will feature returning legends and rising stars in a battle for the prestigious crown. 

But who are the must-watch top jockeys who will compete this year? Here’s a quick look at the jockeys and their respective horses en route to the 2025 Kentucky Derby:

John Velazquez

Derby Horse – Grande

Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez is set to ride Grande in the 151st Kentucky Derby on May 3, 2025. Velazquez, a three-time Derby winner, previously guided Grande to victories in his first two starts at Gulfstream Park. He missed Grande’s second-place finish in the Wood Memorial Stakes due to commitments in Dubai. But he is now reunited with the colt and is gearing up for the Derby.

Grande is trained by Todd Pletcher and owned by Repole Stable. He secured his Derby spot with a second-place finish in the Wood Memorial Stakes, earning 50 qualifying points. This performance showcased Grande’s potential, especially considering it was his first stakes race.

Irad Ortiz Jr.

Derby Horse – Publisher

Irad Ortiz Jr., one of horse racing’s most accomplished jockeys, is set to ride Publisher in the 151st Kentucky Derby on May 3, 2025. Despite his impressive career, Ortiz seeks his first Kentucky Derby victory, having previously finished fourth aboard Improbable in 2019.​

Publisher, trained by Steve Asmussen, enters the Derby as a 48-1 longshot. Notably, the colt remains a maiden, with a record of 0 wins, 2 seconds, and 3 thirds in seven starts. His most notable performance came with a runner-up finish in the Arkansas Derby, earning him 60 qualifying points and a spot in the Derby field.​

Ortiz’s decision to ride Publisher reflects his confidence in the colt’s potential. The last maiden to win the Kentucky Derby was Brokers Tip in 1933, making Publisher’s bid a historic challenge.​

Junior Alvarado

Derby Horse – Sovereignty

Veteran jockey Junior Alvarado is set to ride Sovereignty in the 151st Kentucky Derby on May 3, 2025. Alvarado, who has participated in ten Triple Crown races without a win, believes Sovereignty offers his best chance yet.

Sovereignty, a Godolphin homebred trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, has shown significant promise. The colt secured 60 Derby points and captured a thrilling win in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes. In that race, Sovereignty closed from last to first, showcasing his powerful late-running style.

As the Derby approaches, Alvarado and Sovereignty are poised to make a significant impact, with hopes of securing their first victory in the prestigious race.

Martin Garcia

Derby Horse – Citizen Bull

Veteran jockey Martin Garcia is set to make his return to the Kentucky Derby after a decade-long absence. He will be riding Citizen Bull in the 151st Run for the Roses on May 3, 2025. 

Garcia last competed in the Derby in 2015, finishing third aboard Dortmund, also trained by Bob Baffert.​ The 40-year-old jockey from Mexico has earned two wins and nine additional podium finishes in 44 races this year.

Citizen Bull, last year’s champion two-year-old male, is trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert. The colt boasts an impressive record, including victories in prominent races. This includes in the American Pharoah Stakes (G1), the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), and the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G3).

Garcia secured the mount on Citizen Bull following a fortuitous phone call to Baffert, leading to their successful partnership.

Joel Rosario

Derby Horse – Tiztastic

Veteran jockey Joel Rosario is set to ride Tiztastic in the 151st Kentucky Derby on May 3, 2025. Rosario, who previously won the Derby aboard Orb in 2013, brings experience and confidence to this promising partnership.

Tiztastic, trained by Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen, is looking to make an impact in the upcoming Derby. He secured his Derby spot with a commanding 2 1/4-length victory in the $1 million Louisiana Derby (G2) last March. Rosario guided Tiztastic from the start to a decisive win; they covered 1 3/16 miles in 1:56.20.

Owned by Winchell Thoroughbreds, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith, Tiztastic has demonstrated versatility and resilience. The colt began his career with two turf victories at Kentucky Downs before transitioning successfully to dirt, showcasing his adaptability.

Mike Smith

Derby Horse – Rodriguez

Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith will ride Rodriguez in the 151st Kentucky Derby on May 3, 2025. Smith, a two-time Derby winner, previously guided Giacomo (2005) and Justify (2018) to victory.

Rodriguez, trained by Bob Baffert, secured his Derby spot with a commanding 3 1/2-length win in the Grade 2 Wood Memorial Stakes at Aqueduct last April. In that race, Smith guided Rodriguez to a gate-to-wire victory, clocking 1 1/8 miles in 1:48.15. Rodriguez recorded the second-fastest finish in the race’s last 20 years.

The colt, sired by 2020 Kentucky Derby winner Authentic, boasts a record of 2 wins, 2 seconds, and 1 third in 5 starts, with earnings of $476,000. Smith believes Rodriguez has prepared well for the Derby’s 1 1/4-mile distance and notes the colt eagerly continued after the Wood Memorial finish.

Jose Ortiz

Derby Horse – Sandman

Jockey Jose Ortiz will ride Sandman in the 151st Kentucky Derby this coming May. Ortiz brings experience and determination as he looks to secure his first Derby win. His previous Kentucky Derby race saw him finish second in 2018 aboard Good Magic.

Ortiz piloted Sandman to a thrilling win in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby. The colt surged from far back to win by 2½ lengths. That effort earned Sandman 100 Derby qualifying points and placed him at the top of the leaderboard.

Trained by Hall of Famer Mark Casse, Sandman is a powerful gray colt with deep stamina in his pedigree. Additionally, a partnership including D. J. Stable LLC, West Point Thoroughbreds, and St. Elias Stable owns Sandman.

With over $1.1 million in earnings, Sandman enters the Derby with strong momentum. Ortiz believes the colt’s closing kick gives him a serious shot on race day. The two have formed a strong bond that could prove key in the Derby’s 1¼-mile challenge.

Ortiz and Sandman will look to leave their mark on the 2025 Kentucky Derby with a bold and well-timed performance.

Which Top Jockey Will Cross the Line First?

As the Derby approaches, racing enthusiasts and bettors alike will closely watch these jockey-horse pairings, each bringing a unique dynamic to the “Run for the Roses.”

For the latest information about the Kentucky Derby, make sure to visit the Betting News Horse Racing page. From the horses, jockeys, and trainers, as well as the latest news, Betting News is on top of it all!