As the U.S. thoroughbred racing circuit continues to evolve, a fresh wave of talented jockeys is staking its claim. These young riders are building impressive resumes, combining grit, international experience, and raw ambition to rise through the ranks. Their stories offer a glimpse at the future of American racing — and they’re worth keeping a close eye on.
Joe Ramos
One name that stands out is Joe Ramos, the 25-year-old from Puerto Rico who now rides in Shelbyville, Indiana. Ramos’s journey has been far from easy. In early 2024, while heading home, he was involved in a serious motorcycle accident, breaking his clavicle, suffering skull fractures, and experiencing a brain bleed. After an arduous eight-month recovery, he returned to the saddle. He’s since become the leading jockey at Horseshoe Indianapolis, winning back-to-back riding titles in 2022 and 2023. His partnership with trainer Whit Beckman has also earned him a shot at riding Flying Mohawk in the Kentucky Derby, a real signal that big opportunities are unfolding.
Ryusei Sakai
Another up-and-coming rider to watch is Ryusei Sakai. Originally from Japan, Sakai has made increasingly frequent forays into the U.S. racing world. While his base remains in Japan, he’s ridden in key U.S. events and caught attention for his work with the colt Forever Young. Sakai’s background is steeped in racing: his father was a jockey turned trainer, and Ryusei graduated from the JRA Horse Racing School before making his professional debut in 2016. He has already won top-level races in Japan — including Grade 1 victories — and in 2025 he triumphed aboard Forever Young in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, a landmark win that gave Japan its first Classic success in the U.S.
Tyler Gaffalione
Then there’s Tyler Gaffalione, a more established name but still very much in his prime and continuing to shine. A native of Florida, he first made a big splash by winning the Eclipse Award as U.S. Champion Apprentice Jockey in 2015. Since then, he has collected more than 2,300 wins and taken down key races, including the 2019 Preakness Stakes aboard War of Will. His aggressive style and proven record means he is often trusted with high-profile mounts, and he remains a key player in major stakes races.
Flavien Prat
On the more experienced-but-still-dominant front is Flavien Prat, a French-born jockey who has become deeply rooted in the U.S. racing scene. Based in California, Prat has amassed over 2,100 wins. He’s known for his tactical brilliance and composure under pressure, and in recent years, he’s won big graded stakes across the country — plus a Kentucky Derby (2019) and a Preakness (2021). As he continues to rack up major victories, he remains one of the most reliable and respected jockeys in North America.
Luis Saez
Finally, Luis Saez is another name whose trajectory deserves mention. Born in Panama, Saez came to the U.S. after training at the Laffit Pincay Jr. Academy, and he has since become a fixture on the East Coast, particularly around New York circuits. He has more than 3,500 career wins, won his first Triple Crown race in the Belmont Stakes, and also claimed victories in prestigious races such as the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. His persistence, adaptability, and experience make him a force, and he continues to be a key rider for major stables.
These jockeys represent a blend of grit, resilience, and international influence. Whether it’s Ramos’s comeback, Sakai’s cross-continental success, Gaffalione’s consistent peak performance, Prat’s tactical mastery, or Saez’s seasoned strength, they are shaping the next era of U.S. racing.
As fans, bettors, or racing professionals, keeping tabs on them offers insight into where American racing might go next — especially on major platforms such as DraftKings, where their mounts often draw attention. Their development and results could well influence future betting trends, race strategies, and fan engagement.
With their talent and determination, these young jockeys are not just passing through — they are building lasting legacies.
