Leading Riders and Their Steeds Prepared for the 2025 Kentucky Derby
Racing Royalty Collide in the Kentucky Derby 2025
Are you ready to witness some horse racing excitement? The highly anticipated Kentucky Derby 2025 is nearly upon us, and it's gearing up for an intense competition between renowned jockeys fighting for the prestigious crown.
Whether you're a seasoned racing fan or just have a casual interest, get ready to be blown away by the unparalleled skill, sharp wit and insatiable hunger for glory shown by these veterans of the sport.
The showdown will bring together a mix of returning legends and upcoming stars. But who are the must-see jockeys vying for this year's Derby? Let's take a look at the jockeys and their respective steeds gunning for the 2025 Kentucky Derby glory:
Martin Garcia
Derby Horse - Citizen Bull
Don't miss Martin Garcia, who will be back in the Derby after a lengthy hiatus of a decade. He will be astride Citizen Bull in the 151st Run for the Roses on May 3, 2025. Garcia last raced in the Derby in 2015, scoring third place with Dortmund, also under the guidance of renowned trainer Bob Baffert.
Luis Saez
Derby Horse - Neoequos
Originally, Flavien Prat was listed as Neoequos' jockey, but recent news reveals that Luis Saez will take the reins[3][4]. Despite lacking significant major wins in the U.S., Saez has considerable experience.[4]
Luan Machado
Derby Horse - Final Gambit
Luan Machado, who boasts a good amount of experience, will ride Final Gambit. While he has limited major victories in the U.S., he has honed his skills over the years[4].
Junior Alvarado
Derby Horse - Sovereignty
An accomplished jockey with a previous Kentucky Derby win under his belt, Junior Alvarado is not one to ignore. He'll be in the saddle aboard Sovereignty, as they aim to make their mark on the 2025 Kentucky Derby[5].
Javier Castellano
Derby Horse - Owen Almighty
In addition to this distinguished company, Hall of Famer Javier Castellano will ride Owen Almighty[5]. Castellano has won the Kentucky Derby in 2023, adding to his already impressive resume.
Other noteworthy jockeys include Manny Franco, Brian Hernandez Jr., Christophe Lemaire, Julien Leparoux, Nik Juarez and the up-and-coming Joseph Ramos, who is set to ride Flying Mohawk[2][5].
Stay tuned for more updates on these top jockeys, horses and trainers as we get closer to the big event! If you're looking for the latest news, make sure to check out the Betting News Horse Racing page – they cover everything from horses and jockeys to trainers and all the latest news!
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- The Kentucky Derby 2025, set for May 3, 2025, promises horse racing excitement with renowned jockeys like Martin Garcia, astride Citizen Bull, vying for the prestigious crown, having previously placed third in 2015.
- Luan Machado, a jockey with years of honed skills, will ride Final Gambit in the Derby, despite limited major victories in the U.S.
- Junior Alvarado, a former Kentucky Derby winner, will partner with Sovereignty in the 2025 Derby, aiming to repeat his success in the race.
- Racing fans and enthusiasts alike can look forward to watching the adaptability and skill of Hall of Famer Javier Castellano, who will ride Owen Almighty in the 151st Run for the Roses in 2025.


