Meet Kentucky Derby 2026 jockeys, from Irad Ortiz to John Velazquez
Who are the jockeys in Kentucky Derby 2026? Here's the list of riders, along with records and horses, for the Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs.
Soon, up to 20 riders will saddle their horses and nestle into the starting gate at Churchill Downs, bracing for the most exciting two minutes in sports. After 1 1/4 miles, one will guide his colt from the dirt to the turf track, where a rose garland and immortality await — each their prize for winning the 152nd Kentucky Derby. As the field stands (on April 20), 14 jockeys are eyeing their first victory.
Five others seek to join an elite group of repeat winners. Here's a look at the confirmed riders for Derby 152: Irad Ortiz Jr. Kentucky Derby horse: Renegade Irad Ortiz Jr.
is making his 10th Derby start aboard Renegade. Ortiz most recently finished 14th with Publisher (2025), but his best finish came with Improbable in 2019 (fourth). The 33-year-old Puerto Rican jockey has 100 wins and 123 other top-three finishes across 398 starts in 2026, according to Equibase.
Luis Saez Kentucky Derby horse: Commandment Luis Saez will make his 13th Kentucky Derby start aboard Commandment. Saez's best finish came with Essential Quality (third) in 2021. He finished 13th aboard Neoequos in 2025.
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